Environmental management plan (Application for incidental ... ·...

AttorneyGeneral’s Department

Rumah BaruFreight andPassenger Facilities, Cocos

(Keeling) IslandsEnvironmental Management

Plan

November 2008

61/21786/79333 Rumah BaruFreight and Passenger Facilities, Cocos (Keeling) IslandsEnvironmental Management Plan

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Project Scope 2

1.3 Facility Construction Methodology 2

2. Environmental Policy 4

3. Relevant Legislation 5

4. Consultation 7

5. Area Affected by the Development 8

5.1 General Description 8

5.2 Property Description and Land Tenure 8

6. Environmental Aspects and Associated Impacts 10

7. Environmental Management 11

7.1 Construction Phase Management 11

8. Environmental Management Requirements 13

8.1 General Induction 13

8.2 Dredge Management Plan 14

8.3 Terrestrial Water Quality Management 19

8.4 Noise and Vibration 19

8.5 Traffic and Disturbance to the Population 20

8.6 Marine Flora and Fauna 21

8.7 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna 25

8.8 Rehabilitation and Visual Environment 27

8.9 Quarantine 28

8.10 Archaeology and Heritage 30

8.11 Construction Waste Management 31

8.12 Pollution Control during Construction and Operation 32

8.13 Emergency Response at Construction and Operation 33

9. References 36

61/21786/79333 Rumah BaruFreight and Passenger Facilities, Cocos (Keeling) IslandsEnvironmental Management Plan

Table IndexTable 1 Legislation Relevant to the Project 5Table 2 Indicative Sampling Locations (MGA Zone 47) 17Table 3 Emergency Contact Telephone Numbers for the

Cocos (Keeling) Islands 34Table 4 Summary of Environmental Actions 40Table 5 Reporting Requirements for the Contractor 54Table 6 Reporting Requirements for the Port Manager 54

Figure IndexFigure 1 Cocos (Keeling) Islands Location Plan 37Figure 2 Cocos (Keeling) Islands West Island Plan 37Figure 3 Bore Monitoring Sites (Source: Water Corporation) 37Figure 4 Seagrass and Coral Monitoring Locations 37Figure 5 Cocos (Keeling) Islands West Vegetation Map with

Approximate Location of the Temporary Boat RampAccess Track 37

Drawing IndexDrawing 1 6121786G2 38Drawing 2 6121786G7 38Drawing 3 6121786S33 38

AppendicesA Summary of Environmental Actions and Reporting RequirementsB Coral Bommie Locations (HGM 2002)C Planning Scheme for Cocos (Keeling) Islands (2007)D Geotechnical Investigations Extracts (GHD 2002)E Response to DEWHA’s comments regarding the original

submission of the Environmental Management Plan

161/21786/79333 Rumah Baru – Freight and Passenger Facilities, Cocos (Keeling) IslandsEnvironmental Management Plan

1. Introduction

1.1 BackgroundThe AttorneyGenerals Department (AGD) is to develop new freight handling and passenger transportfacilities on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The development is to be located at Rumah Baru on the West Island. The development comprises:

» an Offshore Island approximately 200m from the shoreline with an area of approximately 2800m2;

» a mooring basin in the lee of the island;

» a 200m long approach bridge; and

» 400m long dredged channel to deeper water in the lagoon.

Environmental Consultants, Halpern, Glick Maunsell (HGM) provided specialist advice regardingterrestrial and marine environmental monitoring at the site from 19962003. Seagrass, corals andterrestrial flora were monitored on a regular basis during this time.

A Notice of Intent (NOI) for the project was provided to Environment Australia (EA) in July 2000(approved in May 2001). The validly of this approval was confirmed by the AGD in 2007. EArecommended that an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) be prepared that would address potentialenvironmental impacts and provide suitable mitigation measures.

This EMP has been developed to set out strategies to manage the following:

» general environmental management;

» dredging activities;

» pollution control; and

» emergency response.


1.2 Project ScopeThe freight and passenger facilities are to be situated at Rumah Baru, on West Island, Cocos (Keeling)Islands. Figure 01 indicates the location of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the location of the proposeddevelopment is shown in Figure 02. The overall layout of the project is shown in Drawings 1 and 2.

To accommodate the medium and long term passenger and freight demands of the Cocos Islands, anOffshore Island development at Rumah Baru is proposed. Details of the development including structuralforms are given below.

The Offshore Island development comprises the following:

» Offshore Island constructed from dredge spoil. The island has a deck approximately 37.5 m in widthand 72 m in length with a 40 m long break water at the north east corner. The island will be locatedapproximately 200 m from the shoreline, connected by a 6 m wide steel piled, precast concrete slabapproach bridge;

» the Offshore Island will be linked by a 50 m wide, 400 m long channel dredged at –2.2 m Chart Datum(CD) to deeper water in the lagoon;

» a swing basin for safe manoeuvring and mooring of ferries and freight handling vessels;

» berthing space for one ferry and the new dumb barge;

» motorised barge landing ramp;

» provision of services – water, power, lighting, communications, drainage and fuel;

» passenger shelter;

» turning and manoeuvring area for a mobile crane, side lifter and fuel tanker;

» quarantine washdown facilities;

» storage facility for containers and other cargo on the main land at Rumah Baru;

» turning and manoeuvring area for the container sidelifter and prime mover;

» construction of a raised sealed carpark and boat trailer park area surrounding the onshore facilities atRumah Baru; and

» the existing Rumah Baru access road will be upgraded and partially realigned.

1.3 Facility Construction MethodologyIt is anticipated that construction of the approach bridge will commence first, followed by the sheetpilingfor the perimeter of the Offshore Island. Dredging activities and construction of the Offshore Island isexpected to follow.

Channel dredging will be carried out over a period of approximately three months. Dredge spoil will beused to construct the Offshore Island with excess material transferred to stilling basins at Rumah Barufor stockpiling (located directly north of the carpark) and used to locally elevate the site for onshorefacilities.

An indicative construction methodology is as follows:

» The main sheet piling walls for the berths would be installed first;


» The superficial layer at the seabed, where consisting of loose silty material, would be dredged andmaterial disposed of onshore;

» Geotextile tubes would be placed on the (dredged) seabed around the southern and eastern edgesof the Offshore Island;

» While the tubes are being placed, the dredger would carry out dredging in the approach channelarea and pump the dredged material into the stilling basin onshore. Subsequent to placing thetubes, the discharge pump of the dredger would be connected to the inlet points for filling the tubesinsitu (transferring dredged material into the onshore stilling basin and then filling the tubes with thismaterial is not considered to be practicable);

» Material pumped into the stilling basin would be allowed to dry and attempts made to crush thestaghorn coral fragments. The material determined as good would be used for filling the sandbagsat the stilling basin area using 3040 tonne backhoe excavator or a grab dredger.

» Construction of the approach bridge would proceed concurrently.

» The average height of reclamation at the Offshore Island is 3.7 m. Fill material would be transportedfrom the stilling basin to the Offshore Island. The island would initially be filled to the height of thegeotextile tubes. This would make certain that high lateral earth pressures are not exerted on themain wall of the sheetpile prior to installing the anchor wall. This would also enable easierplacement of the geotextile between the GSC wall and the island fill.

» The anchor wall for the sheetpile berth would be installed followed by installation of the tierods. Atthe same time, GSCs on the top of and adjacent to the geotextile tubes would be placed;

» The Offshore Island would be filled to the final levels with the material transported from the stillingbasin;

» Dredging in front of the sheetpile berths would be carried out.

» Facilities would be constructed on the island.

The selection of dredging plant to be used will be determined by the Contractor. Dredging will beundertaken by a small cutter suction dredge.


2. Environmental Policy

The proponent for the project (to be known as the Principal under contract arrangements) is theCommonwealth AttorneyGenerals Department (AGD). AGD will appoint a Superintendent (GHD) tomonitor the construction of the works by the Contractor. A representative of AGD (Port Manager) willalso monitor and manage the operational phase of the facility following completion of construction.During construction and through to the end of the Defects Liability Period the Superintendent will act onbehalf of the Principal and will administer the construction contract. Any issues raised by other partiesmust be directed to the Superintendent who will instruct the Contractor accordingly.

AGD’s approach to the environmental design and management of works is to provide the services inaccordance with best environmental practice and this will form the underlying guidance for the projectand for the ongoing operation of the development. AGD recognises the importance of retaining theecological and cultural values of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and is committed to conserving andmanaging the natural environment, cultural and social character for future generations.


3. Relevant Legislation

The environmental legislation applicable to the planning, construction and operation of the developmentis shown in Table 1 and will be complied with.

Table 1 Legislation Relevant to the Project

Commonwealth Legislation Scope Summary

Environmental Protection (Impact of Proposals)Act 1974 (EPIP). Please note that the NOI wasassessed under this Act. The EnvironmentalProtection Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999)(EPBC) and associated regulations now replacesthe EPIP Act.

The EPIP Act sought to ensure that mattersaffecting the environment to a significant extentare fully examined and taken into account inCommonwealth government processes.

The EPBC Act ensures protection ofenvironmental matters of a national significance.

Administered by the Department of Environment,Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA).

Australian Heritage Commission Act (1975)(AHCA). Please note that the NOI was assessedunder this Act. The Australian Heritage CouncilAct (2003) now replaces the AHCA Act.

The AHCA Act sought to provide for theprotection of places of significant heritage, bothnatural and cultural.

The Australian Heritage Council Act establishesthe Australian Heritage Council who advise theCommonwealth on heritage issues.

Sea Installations Act (1987). Ensure that sea installations installed in adjacentareas are operated with regard to the safety ofthe people using them, and the people, vesselsand aircraft near them and ensures thatinstallations are operated in a manner that isconsistent with the protection of the environment.

Administered by the Department of Environment,Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)

Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981and associated Regulations

The Act regulates the deliberate loading,dumping and incineration of wastes and othermatter at sea. The Act and Regulations apply toall vessels, aircraft or platforms in Australianwaters and to all Australian vessels in any part ofthe sea.

Occupational Health and Safety (CommonwealthEmployment) Act (1991) (OHSCE). Please notethat the NOI was assessed under this Act. TheOccupational Health and Safety Act (1991) nowreplaces the OHSCE Act.

The OHSCE seeks to protect the health, safetyand wellbeing of all workers employed by theCommonwealth and Commonwealth agencies aswell as other persons at or near the workplace.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act seeks topromote the occupational health and safety ofpersons employed by the Commonwealth,Commonwealth authorities and certain licensedcorporations.


Commonwealth Legislation Scope Summary

Environmental Protection Act (1986) (WA) (CI)(CKI). (EP Act)

The EP Act is the Western Australianenvironmental protection legislation enacted bythe Commonwealth Minister for Territories. Withthe NOI having been assessed under the EPIPact, the Environmental Protection Act is appliedspecifically to works activities and licensingduring operation.


4. Consultation

There has been extensive community consultation during the planning and design phases of the project.Stakeholders including the former Cocos (Keeling) Islands Administration, the Shire of Cocos (Keeling)Islands (SCKI) and various business operations on Cocos (Keeling) Islands were consulted. Thecommunity was also consulted via manned public displays on both islands, detailed information factsheets, brochures, individual and community meetings.

The objectives of the community consultation program include:

» to communicate to the local community the need to improve the current passenger and freighthandling systems;

» to providing a mechanism to receive community comments and ideas on freight handling andpassenger facilities; and

» to address sensitive issues for the local community including the requirement for the West Island Jettyafter the construction of Rumah Baru.

The community consultation process has made sure that clear, concise information is available so thatthe community understands the opportunities and constraints of the development. The twoway transferof information has taken place through a range of mediums including permanent public displays andcommunity meetings. Provisions were made to enable members of the community to respond andprovide feedback in a range of ways.

The feedback from the community has indicated significant support for improved freight and passengerfacilities. The following summarises feedback from the community.

» respondents were enthusiastic about the proposed facilities and that the development would improvefreight transport and ferry services;

» all respondents considered that Rumah Baru is the most appropriate location for the new facilities;

» most of the respondents had experienced problems and safety concerns with existing facilities (freightand ferry delays due to weather); and

» most of the respondents indicated that they consider the new facilities would have a positive impactupon themselves and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Consultation regarding the potential design, construction and operational impacts of the development willbe ongoing and continue through the preconstruction, construction and management phases asnecessary. Prior to construction the Superintendent shall issue the key stakeholders’ contact details tothe Contractor. It will then be the responsibility of the Contractor to correspond with the Stakeholdersprior to, during and on completion of construction with regards to any issues that the Stakeholders mayhave.


5. Area Affected by the Development

5.1 General DescriptionThe site for the Freight and Passenger Facilities at Rumah Baru is located on the eastern side of WestIsland in a cleared area surrounding an existing boat ramp (2 kilometres south of the existing jettysituated at the northern end of West Island).

There will be no public access to Rumah Baru during construction of the new facility. Access forauthorised vehicles will be maintained along the existing Rumah Baru road and proposed road reserve.

A temporary boat ramp is also to be constructed approximately 400 m north of the existing boat ramp.The route of an existing track will be upgraded as access to the temporary ramp and a smallparking/turning area will be constructed adjacent to the temporary boat ramp. The approximate locationof the track access to this ramp is located in Figure 5. This Figure shows the vegetation surrounding thistrack being mostly Cocos nucifera. Drawing 3 illustrates the design of the temporary ramp. Thetemporary ramp will be used for the duration of construction of the Freight and Passenger Facilities.

The temporary boat ramp consists of a concrete flexmat that will be laid on the beach and pinned down.Side skirts will be trenched into the beach. The ramp will create minimal disturbance for installation andcan be easily removed at the end of the project.

The ramp has been located to avoid stands of mature Calophyllum inophyllum on the shore line.

5.2 Property Description and Land TenureCurrent ownership of the area affected at Rumah Baru is defined as follows:

» up to the high water mark is owned by the Commonwealth Government; and

» the remaining land above the high water mark is held in Trust by the Cocos (Keeling) Islands ShireCouncil.

The land based facilities including a carpark and passenger shelter will be located partly within theexisting clearing at Rumah Baru (currently known as Lot 226). This area however, is insufficient in size toaccommodate the facilities and it will be necessary to secure an extended site for the onshore facilities.Under the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Local Planning Scheme No. 1 (2007) the proposed worksarea is classified as:

» The foreshore area of the project: Nature Conservation and Foreshore Protection;

» The marine area of the project: Public Purposes Marina; and

» The onshore area of the project: General Rural.

The Planning Scheme (2007) recommends a foreshore management plan to be developed where worksare carried out within or adjacent to the Nature Conservation and Foreshore Protection reserve(Appendix C). This EMP includes measures to protect the reserve; therefore an individual foreshoremanagement plan will not be required. Following consideration of coastal engineering principles andexisting coastal dynamics, preservation of a 20 m buffer zone is strongly endorsed, where possible.

The Commonwealth made application in 2003 to the Marine Division of Environment Australia (nowDEH) under the provisions of the Sea Installations Act 1987 for the construction and operations of the


offshore island facilities. The Marine Division had advised the Commonwealth that an ExemptionCertificate will be issued for the construction of the offshore facilities subject to approval of an EMP byEnvironment Australia. However, as the construction for this project did not proceed, further applicationhas been made to the Department of Environment and Heritage under the provisions of the SeaInstallations Act 1987 for the construction and operation of the new design of the offshore island(Drawings 1 and 2).

In 2003 the Marine Division of EA also advised that the provisions of the Environment Protection (SeaDumping) Act 1981 are not applicable to the creation of the dredged channel. At present, approval underthe Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 is not considered to be necessary as the Actapplies to the "disposal" of material. While dredged material and piling (during construction) will beplaced in the lagoon, it is for the purposes of constructing a sea installation, not as a means of disposingof material. During maintenance of the channel, any dredge material will be brought ashore to the stillingbasin. Hence, as the material will not be disposed of at sea it is considered that approval under this Act isnot necessary.


6. Environmental Aspects and Associated Impacts

The environmental aspects and impacts associated with the development have been discussed in detailin the Notice of Intent. They include potential impacts on the following:

» natural vegetation;

» fauna habitat;

» management of chemical spills;

» sewage management;

» drainage and runoff; and

» marine environment.

All impacts have been examined and quantified where possible within the NOI. The resultingmanagement requirements to mitigate the impacts have been established and are presented in thefollowing sections.


7. Environmental Management

7.1 Construction Phase ManagementProponent’s Representative

AGD is the proponent for the project and is the Principal under contract arrangements. AGD is thereforeresponsible for ensuring that the construction contractor and the manager of the facility (followingcompletion of construction), comply with all environmental requirements. During the construction phaseAGD will appoint a Superintendent (GHD) to act on its behalf and to administer the construction contractto make certain that all environmental requirements of the contract are met. This EMP will also form partof the construction contract. The Superintendent’s duties will include:

a) Periodic inspection of the construction works to inspect the Contractor’s compliance withenvironmental requirements in the construction specification;

b) approving the Contractor’s induction training program and materials;

c) communicating with local stakeholders and authorities when necessary; and

d) auditing the Contractor’s environmental records and providing Compliance Reports.

Contractor

The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all employees and subcontractors employed on theproject receive appropriate induction training and will comply with all environmental requirements. TheContractor will be responsible for keeping records on environmental matters during the course of thecontract and for providing copies to the Superintendent. The Contractor will also be required to have theirnominated environmental site representative approved by the Superintendent. The Contractor shouldalso be aware that inspections by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts(DEWHA) and the Indian Oceans Territories Environmental Officer (IOTEO), in the presence of theSuperintendent, may occur throughout the duration of construction. The Contractor will also prepare aConstruction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to the satisfaction of the Superintendent andDEWHA prior to construction. The CEMP will include, but not be limited to:

» Dredging methodology including where all the dredge material will be placed, how the dredge materialwill be transported, estimated quantities of dredge material to be brought ashore, dewateringoperations and approximate timeline of the activities;

» Methodology for filling geotextile tubes (including the use of silt curtains if necessary);

» Methodology for installing and decommissioning the temporary boat ramp;

» Management of the impact of oil and waste spills from the dredge, including containing all wastes andspillages and implement appropriate storage and disposal practices;

» Details of any overflow dredging planned;

» Water logger specifications;

» Locations of water loggers for trials;

» Silt curtain specifications and where they will be positioned during dredging activities;

» Situations where the retention of the 20 m buffer zone is not practicable;


» Turbidity trigger levels and methodology of measuring the turbidity whilst characterising the plume;

» Detail as to how turbidity of the plume will be measured (i.e. through TSS, NTU, etc.) and the triggerlevels to be used during construction;

» Results of the seagrass and coral health initial investigations to be included as a reference point;

» Determination of water logger and coral transect sites;

» Visual assessment of significant coral outcrops results and removal plans that may be required;

» Methodology of anticipating coral spawning; and

» The qualifications of the Contractor’s nominated environmental site representative.

If the Contractor fails to comply with the CEMP or any permits, the Contractor and the AGD will havecommitted an offence.


8. Environmental Management Requirements

8.1 General InductionManagement Objective

That all personnel involved in the project are aware of the potential environmental impacts of theproposed works and management strategies that have been developed to minimise or eliminate theseimpacts.

Actions

The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel involved in construction works undergo a suitableinduction program to make sure that they are aware of potential environmental issues associated withthe project. The induction shall be carried out prior to any works commencing and any newly arrived orlocal personnel shall be inducted before being allowed to undertake any construction works.

The induction program as a minimum will include information on the following issues.

» the need to conserve the marine environment of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands;

» the risks of a spill to the marine environment, spill clean up techniques and procedures, andemergency procedures to follow in the event of a spill;

» protection of public and private property;

» risks related to piling and dredging in the marine environment;

» noise and dust;

» pressure waves and vibration;

» awareness of water quality; and

» occupational health and safety.

The Contractor shall make sure that employees are sensitive to their cultural surroundings and establishcodes of behaviour to make certain there is minimal disruption to the local communities.

Induction training for construction staff will include awareness of procedures to be followed in the eventthat any material of cultural significance is uncovered.

Before the induction program is put in place, it will first be approved by the Superintendent.

The Contractor shall note that inspection of work practices and/or results by DEWHA may occur. Thiswould normally occur in the presence of the Superintendent and any outcomes of the inspection resultingin changes to works practices will be communicated to the Contractor by the Superintendent.

Monitoring and Performance Indicators

The Contractor shall be responsible for developing and implementing the induction process, based onthe requirements of this EMP. Attendance records for induction training will be monitored to make certainall workers have undergone satisfactory induction.


Corrective Actions

Where it is found by the Contractor that an employee has not undergone satisfactory induction in relationto environmental, cultural, and health and safety education, the employee must immediately cease workuntil a suitable induction has been undertaken.

8.2 Dredge Management PlanManagement Objective

Activities undertaken during construction do not impose detrimental effects on the marine environmentand water quality in the vicinity of Rumah Baru.

Background

The Offshore Island is to be constructed at the outer edge of the seagrass beds, which are adjacent tothe shoreline. Sensitive marine habitats, which may potentially be impacted by the development, includethe seagrass beds and isolated coral outcrops occurring in deeper water to the east of the seagrasszone.

During dredging, it is expected that a significant amount of particulate material will be released into thewater. However the use of a silt curtain is expected to mitigate this by prohibiting the release of coarsematerial outside of the immediate vicinity of the dredging operations. In this manner the smotheringimpact of settleable material will be reduced leaving only suspended material in the water column outsideof the zone of impact.

The suspended material within the water column will reduce the amount of sunlight available for marineflora and fauna. As the plumes are generally short lived and are dispersed by local current, it is notexpected that any longterm effects will result. The algae and sea grasses are unlikely to be sensitive toshort term changes in light attenuation.

Currents in the area are predominantly to the north, and thus the likely high impact areas are expected tobe to the north of the dredged areas. The plume is expected to consist of sufficient fine material that itwill be visible beyond the lagoon.

The position of the Offshore Island has been chosen to reduce the likelihood of interruption of longshorecoastal processes and therefore protect shoreline stability.

Construction methods must be suitable to complete the work to a satisfactory standard in a timely andcosteffective manner, while at the same time making certain that longterm degradation of thesurrounding environment does not occur. Although construction methods will be left at the discretion ofthe Contractor, the use of silt curtains irrespective of construction method selection will be requiredduring dredging activities to meet basic environmental criteria.

A reactive monitoring program was developed by HGM during 20002003 (an outline of which wasincluded in the NOI) for the project. However, new methods have been developed since this time andthese have been applied to the monitoring program.

Rationale and Approach

Dredging activities will have some localised impact on the environment. The primary management aimand purpose of the monitoring programme is to protect critical marine habitats from unacceptable effectsof dredging. The management plan aims to:


» prevent the long term loss of key seagrass species beds outside of the immediate area of impact ofthe island; and

» prevent the mortality of corals beyond the immediate area of impact of the dredged channel.

The program further aims to make certain that the cessation of dredging is avoided unless it is critical todo so to meet the stipulated environmental goals.

Assessment takes two forms:

» monitoring of stress indicators (turbidity / light attenuation/ sedimentation); and

» assessment of the ecosystem impacts (health/survival of seagrass and corals).

In keeping with the ANZECC/ARMCANZ National Guidelines, determination of appropriate trigger valuesrequires ecosystemspecific investigation. It is not possible to predict with certainty the full range ofcombination of conditions under which unacceptable change will occur. The nature of the stressor (i.e.suspended sediment concentration), the duration of the stress, and other unknown compounding factors(eg temperature, dissolved oxygen levels) are all responsible for the level of effect. For this reason,initial alert levels will be set at conservative values for measurement of stressors. Alert values may bemodified if they are found to be too conservative. This will be done by the Contractor’s nominatedenvironmental site representative in consultation with the Superintendent and DEWHA.

Buffer Zone

It is inevitable that there will be some zone of impact associated with the dredging and constructionactivities. A distance of 50 m from dredging activities has been determined to be the area within whichthe environmental objectives are not expected to be met (Maunsell 2003). Monitoring stations will beestablished beyond this distance.

8.2.1 Selected Indicators and Measurement Methods

Four indicators and measurement methods will be used for the Dredge Management Plan. The indicatorsinvolve the monitoring of turbidity, sedimentation and the health of seagrass and coral. The monitoringwill be the responsibility of the Contractor and will be carried out by the Contractor’s nominatedenvironmental site representative. Initial monitoring will be performed in the presence of theSuperintendent’s environmental representative. Details of these indicators are provided below.

1. Plume Characteristics

The size, direction of flow and persistence of the plume will be monitored every second day whiledredging occurs (i.e. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday if dredging MondaySunday). This mayinvolve observing the persistence of the plume from the previous day in the morning before dredgingcommences, and mapping and recording the direction of the plume in the afternoons. During bothobservation periods the turbidity will be measured and compared with the alert/trigger level. If theturbidity level exceeds the background level during the morning observations then dredging will onlycommence when turbidity reaches the background level. The precise means as to measuring theturbidity will be determined by the Contractor and specified in the CEMP.

2. Turbidity and Sedimentation

Turbidity is selected as the measure of suspended particulate matter and its impact on the light climate.Turbidity is simple to measure, and not subject to some of the problems associated with measurement of


light attenuation. Sedimentation is the falling out of particulate matter from the water column, which couldresult in the smothering of seagrasses and corals. Sedimentation and turbidity will be monitored throughthe use of eleven Water Loggers which will record as a minimum:

» total suspended solids (TSS);

» wave frequency;

» wave height;

» temperature; and

» salinity.

The information from the Water Loggers will be downloaded weekly during dredging by the Contractor.The Contractor’s nominated environmental site representative will analyse the data in a report (format tobe agreed with the Superintendent) to determine whether the dredging is having an unacceptable effecton the surrounding environment. Agreement with the Superintendent of threshold values for the loss ofseagrass and coral life will be made prior to the commencement of construction and may be reassessedduring dredging works. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure copies of the raw data and reportswill be forwarded to the Superintendent within 7 days (or as agreed) of downloading the raw data.Findings from the analyses will also be forwarded to DEWHA by the Contractor.

3. Seagrass Health

Seagrass biomass (aboveground) will be determined using a modified “visual estimates of biomass”technique described by Mellors (1991). This technique involves an observer ranking seagrass biomass inthe field by referring to a series of quadrat photographs of similar seagrass habitats for which the aboveground biomass has been measured. For this project ten random placements of a 0.25 m2 quadrat willbe undertaken at each site (as specified in the Critical Habitats and Sampling Locations section in thepages to follow). In addition to ranking the biomass from each quadrat the relative proportion of eachseagrass species within each quadrat will also recorded. The above ground seagrass biomass from fivereference quadrats of varying biomass ranking will be collected and the seagrass biomass estimated byconverting it to grams dry weight. The drying temperature will be kept to a minimum to ensure that theorganic content of the sample is not compromised. The observed ranks from all sites will then convertedinto aboveground biomass estimates in grams dry weight per square metre (g dw / m2) using a linearregression for the observer ranks and the measured biomass value of the reference quadratphotographs. The Contractor’s nominated environmental site representative will perform this monitoringprior to dredging (preferably 3 months before), immediately before dredging commences, immediatelyafter the completion of dredging and three months after the completion of dredging. The Contractor’snominated environmental site representative will issue a report (including photographs of the quadratsand robust statistical methodology) of the findings to the Superintendent within 10 days (or as agreed) ofthe conclusion of each period of monitoring (format to be agreed with the Superintendent).

4. Coral Health

Characteristics of coral health, including species composition, will be monitored using nine 50 m by 2 mbelt transects. The transects will each be located in the area of immediate impact (channel), to the northand to the south of the impact. These transects will be permanent and run perpendicularly to thedredging channel in a north direction (approximate). The precise locations for these transects will bedetermined by the Superintendent’s environmental representative prior to dredging (preferably 3 monthsbefore). They should be established to be representative of the coral assemblages within the monitoring


area and have sufficient coral cover to be appropriate for monitoring. Monitoring will be performed by theContractor’s nominated environmental site representative prior to dredging (preferably 3 months before),immediately before dredging commences, immediately after the completion of dredging and threemonths after the completion of dredging. The Contractor’s nominated environmental site representativewill issue a report (including photographs of sections of the transects and robust statistical methodology)of the findings to the Superintendent within 10 days of the conclusion of each period of monitoring(format to be agreed by both parties).

Critical Habitats and Sampling Locations

HGM have confirmed that with a nominal 80micron silt screen mesh, fine sediments passing through thecurtain should have a maximum size of 80 µm. The settling velocity for 80 µm diameter particlesaccording to stokes law is 5.11 mm/sec (CSIRO 1996), and thus these particles would require aminimum time of 195 seconds to settle 1 m. At a current speed of distance of 0.05 m/s (average for thearea determined by current meters), these maximum size particles may begin to settle from the surfaceat around 9.78 m distant from source. Under turbulent conditions this may take longer and finer particlesmay remain suspended for some time. However, geotechnical studies indicate that on average only21.5% of the material tested could pass through an 80 µm sieve (Appendix D). The material that doesnot drop out rapidly would be expected to disperse without impact.

The 2003 HGM monitoring sites can be seen in Figure 4 and their GPS coordinates are shown in Table2. Please note that not all sites will be used for monitoring during dredging activities and the exactlocations will be determined by the Superintendent’s environmental representative during the initial stageof monitoring.

Ideally, the sites used for each monitoring indicator are as follows:

» Turbidity and Sedimentation (Water loggers) S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, C1, C2, C3, C4, C7 and C8

» Seagrass Health (Quadrats) S2, S3, S5 and S7

It is likely that the plume will extend north out of the lagoon. However it will become more dispersed withincreased distance from the location of dredging activities.

Sampling sites will be marked with a buoy by the Contractor for the duration of the dredging programme.The maintenance of the buoys will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

Table 2 Indicative Sampling Locations (MGA Zone 47)

SamplePoint

Easting Northing SamplePoint

Easting Northing

C1 263923.28 8655398.61 S1 263728.92 8655292.13

C2 264062.88 8655510.12 S2 263795.48 8655346.7

C3 263857.05 8655814.38 S3 263692.24 8655517.63

C4 263986.54 8655810.45 S4 263837.36 8655144.07

C5 264094.34 8655299.44 S5 263563.58 8655846.35

C6 264181.87 8655352.95 S6 263925.55 8655087.28


SamplePoint

Easting Northing SamplePoint

Easting Northing

C7 26270.85 8654939.33 S7 263963.93 8654881.43

C8 264376.91 8655030.46 S8 264025.84 8654709.73

8.2.2 Actions, Performance Indicators and Corrective Actions

Actions

» The Superintendent will ensure that their role in the dredge management plan is followed as perSection 8.2.1.

The Contractor will make certain:

» the dredge vessel’s movements will be restricted to the confines of the project area;

» a silt curtain will be placed immediately around the works area to contain fine sediments producedfrom the dredging activity;

» the Contractor shall inspect the silt curtain on a daily basis to ensure structural integrity. This will bedocumented (format to be agreed with Superintendent) and forwarded to the Superintendent;

» if the silt curtain is found to be damaged during regular inspection, work will immediately cease untilthe silt curtain is repaired and functioning properly;

» that their role in the dredge management plan is followed as per Section 8.2.1;

» work activities are undertaken in manner that ensures releases of particulate matter are as low asreasonably practicable at all times; and

» the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) weather forecast and warnings are monitored daily for any forecastof extreme weather events (e.g. cyclones). Dredging will cease immediately upon the warning of anextreme weather event and will not recommence until the event has either passed or the BoM hasretracted the warning. Silt curtains will be removed prior to extreme event occurring (if possible).

Performance Indicators

» the biodiversity and abundance of seagrass and coral outside the construction buffer zone are notimpacted upon due to the development, as tested by robust statistically defensible monitoringmethods i.e. areas outside the dredging buffer zone area are not impacted upon.

Corrective Actions

» Dredging operations and frequency will be modified by the Contractor to ensure that criteria asdetermined by the monitoring approach are achieved. This may include relocation of dredging orother changes in dredging procedures, frequency or daily duration.


8.3 Terrestrial Water Quality ManagementManagement Objective

To make certain groundwater quality in the northern fresh water lens on West Island is maintained andcontinues to be of potable quality.

Background

The northern freshwater lens may be used during construction and will be used during operation forfreshwater supplies. This lens does not provide the main water supply for the island. However, allfreshwater sources should be protected on the island.

Dredge spoil will be placed in a stilling basin (located north of the onshore facilities) at Rumah Baru.Once sediment has settled, surface water will then be decanted into the main lagoon. GeotechnicalInvestigations undertaken in 2002 show the dredge material comprises of 98% calcium carbonate (GHD2002) (Appendix D). Taking these investigations into account, net acid generation is considered not to bea realistic possibility and hence acid sulphate soil and hydrocarbon analysis is not considered to benecessary. The stilling basin will not be lined and water quality of the fresh water lens will be monitored.

Actions

» A selection of existing monitoring bores within the freshwater lens, and one outside of the lens will bemonitored on a weekly basis by the Contractor to make sure that no contamination of the watersupply occurs (this will most likely include the monitoring of the existing monitoring bores namedWI10, WI5, WI4; and WI21 which are shown in Figure 3. Parameters will include, but not limited to,electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids). These bores will also be monitored prior to thecommencement of construction activities to assess the background water quality levels; and

» Quarterly reports of water quality monitoring will be sent by the Contractor to the Superintendent andwill be made available to DEWHA.


» Any increases in salinity of the fresh water lens that is not expected as part of the normal seasonalvariation will warrant actions; and

» If the salinity is above ANZECC guidelines for potable water, actions should be taken immediately tostem the extent of the contamination.

Corrective Actions

If the potable water supply is threatened, investigations will be employed to find the source of thecontamination, the nature of the contamination (temporary/permanent effects) and determine appropriatemitigation strategies.

8.4 Noise and VibrationManagement Objective

To make sure that construction and operational noise and vibration is contained within acceptable limitsthrough the planning of construction methods and activities to minimise the generation of noise.


Background

During construction there is expected to be some shortterm noise impacts associated with the use ofheavy construction equipment and pile driving. Noise will be commensurate with a marine environmentconstruction site for these types of facilities.

Although the operational noise post construction will involve an increase in traffic and vessels in the area,this is not considered significant as there are no nearby residents. The nearest residence is located over2 km away and hence localised noise at the construction site is not expected to impact on residences.

Actions

The following actions will make sure that noise and vibration impacts can be effectively managed:

» All noise generating construction equipment will be appropriately muffled, housed or acousticallybaffled in compliance with installation standards and building codes to ensure compliance with theEnvironmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997;

» All construction work will be carried out using equipment in good working order;

» Work will generally be carried out during daylight hours;

» If work is required to be undertaken outside daylight hours, a noise management plan will beprepared by the Contractor for this activity with appropriate notice given to all residents via letter,newspaper article or radio;

» The Contractor shall monitor noise levels associated with project construction and respondimmediately to any noise complaints that may occur. Noise complaints will be entered into a registerthat will be kept by the Contractor and will be made available to the Superintendent; and

» Construction equipment will be inspected on a weekly basis by the Contractor to ensure good workingorder of noise minimisation fittings such as baffling, muffling or housing of equipment components.


» No noise injuries to staff or local residents during construction; and

» No noise complaints by residents received by the contractor.

Corrective Actions

» Immediate repairs will be undertaken to any equipment found to be producing anomalous noiseemissions; and

» All noise complaints will be addressed by the Contractor and every effort made to reduce problematicnoise emissions.

8.5 Traffic and Disturbance to the PopulationManagement Objective

To make certain traffic and operations associated with the project do not cause significant disturbancesto the Cocos Island population.


Background

The remote location of Rumah Baru to existing residential areas will minimise the potential for socialimpacts during construction activities. The construction work will be localised and construction traffic isnot expected to have a significant impact.

There will be minimal disturbance to the population during construction activities, including dredging andpile driving operations. However, the flexibility of access to the Lagoon, and the provision of notices andcommunity liaison with local residents on Home and West Islands will minimise the effect on the Public.Following discussions with the SCKI and users of the existing boat ramp, a site approximately 400 m tothe north of Rumah Baru has been identified as a temporary site for boat launching or mooring during theconstruction of the facilities at Rumah Baru.

Recreational activities such as fishing and swimming at Rumah Baru will also be temporarily suspendedduring the construction phase. However, ferry activities will be able to continue unaffected as theconstruction works are beyond the perimeter of the existing ferry route.

The land use within the immediate vicinity of the onshore location of ancillary facilities will change due tofreight unloading/loading operations. However, the site will also continue to be used as a car park area.The land use of the surrounding areas beyond the ancillary features will remain the same.

Actions

» Appropriate signage will be erected advising the community that to ensure their safety all recreationalactivities at Rumah Baru will be temporarily suspended during the construction phase;

» Ferry activities will not impacted by the Rumah Baru construction and dredging operations;

» The existing boat ramp and moorings will be temporarily relocated during construction;

» The community will be made aware of the construction activities being undertaken via local media,particularly noticeboards and VKW local radio daily notices; and

» Access to water galleries, Sub Station 5 and wet tip via Rumah Baru Rd will be maintained throughoutconstruction, unless as agreed with the relevant authorities.


» Community reaction and any disruption to the community will be monitored by the Superintendent;and

» Any complaints in regard to access and traffic movement (including ferry) will be logged in theComplaints Register to be maintained by the Contractor.

Corrective Actions

» In the event of significant community disruption, construction activities and timings will be reassessedby the Contractor in order to minimise and rectify disruptions in consultation with the Superintendent.

8.6 Marine Flora and FaunaManagement Objective

Activities undertaken during construction and operation of the freight and passenger facilities at RumahBaru do not cause detrimental effects on marine flora and fauna in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Lagoonarea.


Background

Initial investigations carried out by HGM (2003) predicted the following impacts associated with theproposed dredging activities:

» loss of existing benthic flora (seagrasses and algae) in the location of the dredged channel basin andisland. The area of benthic flora directly lost would be approximately 4 ha; and

» generation of plumes which would increase turbidity levels reducing light levels, potentially affectingbenthic flora and fauna.

Approximately 4 ha of benthic flora will be removed from the seabed where the proposed channel will belocated. Major storm events produce similar conditions to that experienced during dredging events and itis expected that the flora will react in a similar way to the shortterm effects of the dredging sedimentplume (GHD 2000). Turbidity and sedimentation levels will be monitored to make sure that they do notincrease to a level where flora cannot recover.

Based on information collected to date it is unlikely that the dredged channel or new ferry route fromHome Island to Rumah Baru will involve the removal of any significant coral outcrops or clusters ofoutcrops. During the detailed design stage of the project, a review of aerial photographs andhydrographic soundings to identify coral outcrops of significance was undertaken by HGM (Appendix B).However, since this review was performed in 2003, a visual assessment will be performed by theSuperintendent in association with DEWHA prior to dredging to confirm that significant outcrops will notbe effected. If a significant outcrop is required to be removed, the Superintendent will consult withDEWHA and a removal plan will need to be developed by the Contractor to the Superintendent’ssatisfaction.

Following extensive investigations of the marine environment and a review of historical evidence, HGMhave concluded that they do not expect significant longterm environmental impacts, including indirectloss of seagrass or benthic community structure, as a result of proposed dredging operations. Reasonsfor this include:

» the region is a stable, low energy environment;

» the proposed channel, at approximately 50 m wide and 400 m long, is considered too small tosignificantly affect local hydrodynamics including the wave climate and regional sediment transportprocesses;

» historical channel construction and maintenance activities have not resulted in any deterioration of themarine benthos beyond the area of direct impact (Caulerpa and Thalassia have recolonised thisarea). No evidence of erosion was observed at the sides of the existing channel and they are coveredwith seagrass and macroalgae;

» most of the species identified during the baseline and interim surveys can be regarded as commonand will not be considerably impacted by a development at Rumah Baru. The exception are thegreen turtle, (Chelonia mydas), and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), which are both listedspecies under the EPBC Act 1999. However, as the turtles feed predominantly at night and earlymorning when construction and ferry activities do not occur, minimal impact from the proposal isexpected. A number of actions, (including vessel speed, Offshore Island lighting and noiseminimisation), will be implemented to further minimise impacts and are included in the followingpages. Lighting on the Offshore Island and Approach Bridge has been designed to minimise lightoverspill where possible, however, to meet pedestrian and marine vessel safety some light overspill


will occur. To overcome this overspill issue any lights with the sole purpose of spilling into the marinawill be switched on only when necessary. This will be controlled through the use of a timer;

» the annual life cycles of the biota should not impose significant constraints on the timing of thedredging program, but dredging operations will need to be modified during coral spawning events;

» field observations indicate that the site is naturally highly disturbed on occasions due to increases inlagoon water temperature in times of calm periods and restricted lagoon flushing. As a result, themosaics of species have a high level of natural variation and are adapted to shortterm, repeatedimpacts. The seagrasses have an inherent ability to recover and regenerate more quickly thantemperate species;

» tropical seagrasses found in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are adapted to anchoring in a range ofsubstrate types. It is therefore unlikely that changing sediment regimes would be a dominant factordetermining seagrass distribution;

» a bibliographic study undertaken by HGM indicated that Thalassia hemprichii tolerates a range of lightintensities and is not highly sensitive to temporary dredging plumes. From the data collected, HGMhave concluded that a significant long term decrease in water clarity would be required to causesignificant mortality of benthic species due to light attenuation. The light requirements have beenincorporated into the dredge monitoring program through the turbidity and sedimentation monitoring;

» corals found in the vicinity predominantly belong to the genus Porites which are known to be relativelytolerant to higher sediment loads/turbidity. Monitoring of corals will be carried out during dredging tomake certain unacceptable impacts do not occur;

» the dredging program is estimated to take place over several months. If the marine environment isfound, through robust statistically defensible monitoring approaches, to be negatively affected by thedredging of the channel and the dredge spoil plume, impacts will be reduced by decreasing thevolume of the plume production by reducing the duration of the dredging operations;

» the area of benthic flora requiring removal represents approximately 1% of the benthic flora on thenortheastern coast of West Island. Therefore, in a local context, the area of benthic flora that wouldbe lost directly from dredging is considered to be insignificant;

» The deposition of dredge spoil during dredging onto adjacent biological communities represents oneof the major short term risks of dredging. The dredge spoil material will be used to construct theOffshore Island and as construction material to raise the level of the access road into Rumah Baru.Silt curtains will be used to prevent deposition of coarse sediments. Smothering of benthic flora isusually only a problem for frequent or large scale dredging projects (GHD 2000). The monitoringprogram will seek to make certain that the silt curtains are functioning properly and that directsmothering outside of the buffer zone is not occurring; and

» the proposal does not include the construction of impermeable beach crossing structures at RumahBaru. Studies of the temporary groynes constructed at Rumah Baru in July 1999 confirm thatimpermeable beach crossing structures would have a significant impact on littoral processes, inparticular longshore sediment transport.

Preconstruction

» A visual survey of the proposed dredge channel and surrounding environment for significant coral willbe undertaken by the Superintendent’s and the Contractor’s environmental representatives.


Construction Actions

During construction, the Contractor will make certain that:

» dredging will take place during the months April to September. If dredging is to occur outside of thistimeframe, the Contractor is required to obtain the relevant permit with regards to the Green andHawksbill Turtles from DEWHA. The Contractor should note permits take a minimum of six weeks toprocess;

» turtle Excluding Devices (TEDs) will be fitted to the dredge in accordance with current best practice;

» the dredge will only be turned on once it is in position for dredging and will be turned off once it is nolonger required. The dredge should not be in operation when it is being placed into and pulled out ofthe water;

» dredging will only occur during daylight hours;

» a silt curtain shall be placed around the works area prior to dredging to contain sediments producedfrom the dredging activity;

» the silt curtain is inspected on a daily basis to ensure structural integrity;

» if the silt curtain is found to be damaged during regular inspection, work will immediately cease untilthe silt curtain is repaired by the Contractor and functioning properly;

» Injuries or deaths of any turtles as a result of construction should be reported by the Contractor in theComplaints Register, to the Superintendent and to DEWHA;

» the Contractor will determine when coral spawning is to be anticipated to occur through directobservation or indirect mechanisms (method to be approved by Superintendent). Duration of coralspawning will also be determined through direct observation or indirect mechanisms. Dredging willcease one day prior to and post the coral spawning event;

» coral monitoring will occur as per the Dredge Management Plan;

» construction activities will only be performed during daylight hours; and

» noise will be kept to a minimum as per the actions set out in Section 8.4.

Operational Actions

Actions will include the following by the Port Manager:

» limit and enforce a speed limit of 8 knots for vessels within the nearshore of the channel and basin;and

» lighting will continue to be inward facing where possible and kept to a minimum on the island. Wherelights are positioned for the sole purpose of spilling into the marina these will only be switched onwhen necessary for safety of vessel operation and pedestrian traffic. This will be controlled throughthe use of a timer.

In addition, the stability of the channel and the rate of any infill or scour will need to be determined by thePort Manager. The following methodology is proposed:

» measuring the distance between the channel edge and permanent markers placed adjacent to thechannel;

» photographic monitoring; and


» direct measurement of sediment deposition.


No detrimental impacts on the marine flora and fauna outside the 50 m buffer zone.

8.7 Terrestrial Flora and FaunaManagement Objective

To make sure activities undertaken during construction and operation of the freight and passengerfacilities do not cause detrimental effects on terrestrial flora and fauna in the vicinity of Rumah Baru.

Background

GHD (2000) identified that the coconut palm Cocos nucifera was the single most dominant species in theonshore study area and typically occurred as a superabundant monoculture. The palm accounted forapproximately 92% of the vegetation type within the HGM study area (~10ha in the vicinity of RumahBaru), and its dominance is believed to be the result of past plantation practices. GHD performed asurvey in October 2008 to verify the vegetation study conducted by HGM (Figure 5). From this study it isestimated that up to 15 Morinda citrifolia, 3 Argusia argentea, some Scaevola taccada and naturalizedgrass species will requiring clearing as well as the C. nucifera. These native species were found to bewell represented on the island and therefore their populations will not be significantly impacted duringthis project.

The primary areas of high conservation value are strands of remnant vegetation assemblages,particularly those containing Calophyllum inophyllum. These trees are slow growing, are likely to be ofgreat age, and represent some of the few species surviving from presettlement times. Calophylluminophyllum is also an important habitat for native fauna. Such habitat is not available in Cocos nuciferadue to its limited sheltering capacity.

There are protected fauna species on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and a survey for protected fauna asnominated in Schedule 12 of the EPBC Regulations 2000 will be carried out prior to construction. Bylocating landside facilities at Rumah Baru, including the car park area, approximately 90 m of land in thenorthsouth direction and 180 m in the eastwest direction will be affected (allowing for plant andequipment access during construction). However, previous investigations indicate that the level ofvegetation impact will be minor as the proposed location is situated in a largely cleared areaapproximately 50 m x 50 m providing access to the existing boat ramp at Rumah Baru. While theremaining area of strand vegetation at Rumah Baru, comprising predominantly Cocos nucifera, will beaffected, the areas of higher conservation value to the north will remain unaffected.

The stilling basin will be located north of the onshore facilities and be approximately 180 m (northsouthdirection) by 180 m (eastwest direction). The basin has been located near the facilities to allow accessfor the SCKI to obtain the dredge material for future use. The area required clearing for the basinpredominantly contains Cocos nucifera which will be affected, however the areas of higher conservationvalue towards the coast will remain unaffected.

To minimise the impact on the coastal terrestrial habitat, the existing rough access track between SydneyHighway and Rumah Baru will be upgraded to a wider, elevated, nominally realigned and sealed road,approximately 800 m long and approximately 6 m wide.


Approximately 550 m of existing road (from the turnoff at Sydney Highway to the new realigned roadtransition) will require clearing of vegetation along its length to accommodate the installation of a drainand working area for plant during construction. The sides of this section of the alignment will berehabilitated with local topsoil. The last 250 m of the new alignment will be incorporated within theproposed landside facilities. The remaining length of the existing track will be ripped up and rehabilitatedwith local topsoil.

Actions

» Any unnecessary removal or damage to native vegetation during construction will be avoided;

» The Superintendent will perform a terrestrial fauna survey in respect of fauna nominated in Schedule12 of the EPBC Regulations 2000. The results of the survey will be provided to DEWHA prior to thecommencement of works;

» The Superintendent will resurvey the construction area for significant flora to verify the survey locatedin Figure 5. The results of the survey will be provided to DEWHA prior to the commencement ofworks;

» Areas to be disturbed are to be clearly flagged prior to the commencement of works;

» All strands of Calophyllum inophyllum and any other significant flora (as determined by the florasurvey detailed above) will be protected;

» Coconut palms and other vegetation within the 20 m wide foreshore protection zone will be retainedwhere practical to provide a wind break for onshore freight and passenger operations, including carpark facilities;

» Trees to be removed will be felled in a manner that ensures they fall within the approved clearing areaor onto already cleared land;

» If removal of any major strand trees becomes necessary, then consultation with the Superintendentand DEWHA will be undertaken prior to any action being taken;

» The unnecessary removal of vegetation will be reported to the Superintendent and noted in theComplaints Register by the Contractor;

» The Superintendent will regularly inspect the construction site to make sure that removal of nativevegetation by the Contractor is being minimised and that all strands of Calophyllum inophyllum arebeing protected;

» All strands of Calophyllum inophyllum and any other significant flora (as determined by the florasurvey detailed above), will be clearly marked by the Contractor under instruction from theSuperintendent prior to construction activities commencing;

» The marking of Calophyllum inophyllum strands will be monitored by the Contractor to make sure thatthey remain clearly identifiable;

» The Contractor will acquire the necessary permits from DEWHA with regards to any protected faunaon the island as specified by the Superintendent. The Contractor should note permits take a minimumof six weeks to process; and

» The Contractor shall meet the following requirements as a prerequisite for utilising the existingcleared areas at the water galleries along Rumah Baru Access Road as a dry storage facility duringconstruction:


• The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting the existing assets i.e. fencing orbollards etc; and

• The Contractor shall be responsible for full reinstatement of the gallery areas aftercompletion.


» No unauthorised removal or damage to native vegetation.

Corrective Actions

In the event that strands of Calophyllum inophyllum are not clearly identifiable, actions such as flaggingof the area to make sure they are clearly identified, shall be undertaken immediately by the Contractorunder instruction from the Superintendent and DEWHA; and

» If unnecessary removal of native vegetation occurs, the Contractor shall make certain that theeffected area is rehabilitated with appropriate native species.

8.8 Rehabilitation and Visual EnvironmentManagement Objective

Visual amenity of the site of the Rumah Baru works shall not deteriorate due to activities associated withthe construction and operations of the passenger and freight handling facilities.

Background

The site is currently operated as a public boat ramp. The current surroundings are informal andnonstructured. The proposal will significantly change the visual amenity. However given the safetyissues with the current jetty at the north end of West Island, it is likely that the proposal will be welcomedby the island community and will also visually improve the carpark at Rumah Baru.

Actions

» The removal of vegetation shall be minimised to make certain visual amenity impacts are minimised;

» The turning bay area of the temporary boat ramp vicinity shall be rehabilitated with appropriate nativeflora species after construction has been completed;

» Coconut palms and other vegetation within the 20 m wide foreshore buffer zone will be retainedwhere practical to provide a wind break for onshore freight and passenger operations, including carpark facilities;

» The project area boundaries shall be delineated to make sure that the surrounding areas (not formingpart of the project area) are adequately protected and not used for car parking, heavy machineryturnarounds, storage areas and dumping sites;

» Empty storage containers located on the Offshore Island will not be stored at more than two layershigh;

» Excess dredge material in the stilling basin will be pushed into one stockpile for future use. Cocosnucifera is expected to encroach upon the stilling basin shortly post construction, thereby protectingthe remaining area of the stilling basin from erosion;


» Ongoing monitoring of wind erosion from the stilling basin will be performed by the Port Managerduring operations. Where necessary mitigation measures will be taken.


» The Superintendent shall monitor the amount of vegetation being cleared by the construction to makecertain that the minimum area is cleared.

» The Contractor shall ensure that the 20 m wide foreshore buffer zone is retained where practical.

Corrective Actions

» In the event that the number of storage containers becomes too high to maintain the height restriction,they will be removed to onshore facilities; and

» Rehabilitation with suitable native plants should be undertaken to improve the visual amenity of thearea if this is deemed necessary by the Superintendent (during construction) or the Port Manager(during operations).

8.9 QuarantineManagement Objective

To make sure that quarantine facilities on the Offshore Island are adequate to cater for the quarantinerequirements of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and make certain that nonnative species are not introducedto the islands.

Background

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers on CKI provide customs procedures on behalf of the AustralianCustoms Service.

Water resulting from any quarantine washdown operations will pass through a grated pit and into aninterceptor to drop out any sediment from the wash water. The washdown water will then be transferredto the lagoon where any ‘bugs’ will be destroyed upon immersion in salt water. This practice is carriedout at many locations including Christmas Island. On 11 May 2001, Jeff Cates from AustralianQuarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) was contacted and he confirmed the above statement. Thisadvice will be confirmed with AQIS by the Superintendent prior to construction activities.

Quarantine wash down will be carried out at the Offshore Island. Container wash down will be required ifcontainers are despatched from a destination other then Fremantle, or for containers which have beencontaminated on Cocos Islands soil and are destined for an Australian port.

Water will be reticulated to a hose stand at the Quarantine wash down.

Facilities will include:

» A hose cock;

» A 10 m by 6 m (approximately) concrete slab for washing the outside of containers;

» An interceptor for settlement of sediments carried in the water; and

» Power.

Superintendent Actions


» The Superintendent will consult with AQIS regarding the disposal of water resulting from anyquarantine washdown operations.

Construction Actions

» All imported materials will be stored in a designated area and inspected by AQIS prior to use;

» The Contractor will be required to consult with and obtain certification from AQIS and the Departmentof Fisheries regarding Invasive Marine Pest Species (IMPs) for vessels accessing the Cocos(Keeling) Islands; and

» The Contractor and Contractor’s personnel will familiarise themselves with quarantine rules as theypertain to Cocos Island and make sure they comply with all import export restrictions andrequirements.

Operational Actions

» Quarantine facilities will be located on the Offshore Island to minimise potential for undesirablematerials reaching landside;

» Washdown waters will pass through a grated pit and an interceptor to drop out any sediment fromthe wash water;

» Washdown water will be transferred to the lagoon such that ‘bugs’ are destroyed upon immersion insalt water;

» The Offshore Island will have interceptor pits to collect the first flush of runoff containing the majorityof potential pollutants such as oils. The interceptor pits will prevent direct discharge of thesepollutants to the sea;

» Several interceptor traps will be located around the Offshore Island to provide centralised treatment ofrunoff. Build up of pollutants in the interceptors will be monitored and cleaned out on a regular basis;and

» Worker induction will outline requirements of good quarantine protocols at the site.


» AQIS Officers will undertake routine inspection and maintenance of quarantine washdown areas, pitsand interceptors to ensure adequate performance; and

» Pollutant levels in interceptors will be regularly monitored.

Corrective Actions

» Repairs and maintenance to the drainage system and quarantine interceptors will be undertakenimmediately upon discovery of any defects; and

» Interceptors will be cleaned out when deemed necessary according to levels measured during routinemonitoring. Any build up of pollutants will be disposed in accordance with the requirements ofDEWHA.


8.10 Archaeology and HeritageManagement Objective

To ensure that any potential locations or relics of cultural or historical significance are identified andprotected during the construction works associated with the freight and passenger facilities.

Background

The Australian Heritage Commission has indicated that a heritage study has been carried out on theCocos (Keeling) Islands (GHD 2000). This study identified Rumah Baru as a place of possible localsignificance for protection within the local planning scheme but was not recommended for entry into theRegister of the National Estate.

It is believed that Rumah Baru was the site of Alexander Hare’s first settlement. Rumah Baru was alsounderstood to be the site of a World War II army camp including a desalinisation water plant, and usedas a Jukong sailing vessel landing site.

The original survey, carried out in March 1996, did not uncover any building fabrics or other relics.Similarly, a terrestrial investigation carried out by HGM in April 1997 did not reveal any evidence ofprevious land uses of historical or cultural significance.

Actions

» If any items suspected to be of an archaeological or historic nature are uncovered during constructionwork will stop immediately in the vicinity to avoid accidental disturbance;

» The Contractor will immediately inform the Superintendent of any heritage items that are uncoveredduring works. The Superintendent will liaise with the Department for Environment and Heritage forfurther direction;

» Appropriate conservation of any items found with significant heritage value will be ensured; and

» Induction training for the Contractor’s construction staff will include awareness of procedures to befollowed in the event that any material of cultural significance is uncovered.


» Periodic inspections of the construction site shall be undertaken by DEWHA in the presence of theSuperintendent, so that no articles of cultural significance have been ignored or accidentallyoverlooked; and

» Inspection by a qualified archaeologist may be required to be undertaken after the uncovering of anyarticles of potential heritage significance.

Corrective Actions

In the event that a breach is identified in relation to identification of cultural artefacts and appropriateresponses, the Superintendent will instruct the Contractor to cease work immediately in that area.DEWHA will be informed by the Superintendent and a qualified archaeologist may be called in to inspectany discoveries.


8.11 Construction Waste ManagementManagement Objective

All construction activities are carried out with the principles of cleaner production and waste minimisation.

Background

The development of the facilities will inevitably produce some waste products. Waste such as litter andgeneral construction waste are expected to be produced. Disposal of these products will be undertakento minimise the impact upon the environment. All construction activities will be carried out with theprinciples of cleaner production and waste minimisation. The use of local labour and on site fabrications,where possible, will limit the amount of waste generated.

Actions

» The Contractor’s induction of its workforce will outline the requirements for waste minimisation andmanagement practices. All workers will be encouraged to minimise waste production and to makesure that any wastes produced are disposed of appropriately;

» All staff working on the project must not dispose of litter (including wrappings, plastic takeawaycontainers, drink cans, cigarette butts and construction waste) into the water, or leave it where it mayend up in the water. All litter produced on site shall be disposed of in accordance with the SCKIwaste disposal requirements;

» Any waste produced (including construction) that is disposed of to the licensed landfills shall be donein accordance with the SCKI requirements. Waste that is disposed of to locations other than licensedlandfills shall be done so in accordance with landowner and DEWHA instructions; and

» All materials imported on to the island will be required to have minimal packaging and where possibleconstructed before shipment.


» the Contractor will make certain that all workers are aware of waste minimisation and disposalprocesses; and

» the Contractor will make sure that waste production is minimised and that all waste that is disposed ofto the licensed landfills is done in accordance with the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands requirements.Waste that is disposed of to locations other than licensed landfills shall be done so in accordance withlandowner and DEWHA instructions.

Corrective Actions

» should waste be found to be disposed of inappropriately, the action will be recorded in the complaintsregister by the Contractor; and

» should any waste be disposed of inappropriately, the waste is to be immediately cleaned up anddisposed of in an appropriate manner.


8.12 Pollution Control during Construction and OperationBackground

During construction there is a low risk of pollution as a result of accidental spillage of fuels. However,any spill during construction has the potential to cause detrimental effects on the environment.

The development includes a 20,000L above ground double contained steel tank for diesel fuel storage. Atransfer pump will be installed in a self bunded canopy at the end of the tank. The tank will be installedinside a fused enclosure. The complete installation will comply with AS1940. The tank does not requirebunding as it will have double containment.

Provision will be made for storage of an Emergency Spill Response Kit (to be provided by the Contractorduring construction and Shell during operations) to be used in the event of a spill or other emergency atthe Freight and Passenger Facilities. Shell has indicated that the current practice of storing the existingkit in a trailer unit at the Shell Terminal, will be continued.

An onshore Ablutions facility with one male and one female WC will discharge to a 3,200 L capacityseptic tank with an internal baffle and dual 25 m long leach drains. The leach drains are installed 500 mmabove High Astronomical Tide levels and have a diverter box to alternate flows between leach drains.This design was submitted as part of the Development Application approved by SCKI .

Management Objectives

To make sure the Contractor’s (at the time of construction) and Port Manager’s (during operation)preparedness (including knowledge of Emergency Contact Details and maintenance of a Spill ResponseKit) in the event of a fuel spill or another emergency scenario.

Actions

All actions apply to the construction and operation phases unless otherwise stated.

» during construction a suitable Spill Response Kit will be provided by the Contractor. Shell hasindicated that during operations the current practice of storing the kit in a trailer unit at the Shellterminal is to be continued;

» This Spill Response Kits (for both construction and operation) shall include as a minimum:

– Containment booms;

– shovel to apply and clean up absorbent material;

– first aid kit;

– drum or other device to temporarily store contaminated absorbent during clean up process;

– fire extinguisher;

– spill pillows;

– bulk vermiculite or other proprietary material used to absorb spills; and,

– appropriate PPE for persons involved in cleaning up the spill.

» As part of the spill response an empty tank with vacuum pump and hose for collection of spilt liquidwill be located nearby;

» the Spill Response Kit will be inspected by the Contractor during construction on a monthly basis tomake certain that all items are in working order and accounted for;


» specific personnel will be trained to use the Spill Response Kit. These personnel will also have mobilecommunication readily available to them;

» Monthly visual inspection by the Port Manager during operations to assess if any leachate has beendischarged into the adjacent lagoon from the toilet block;

» no major servicing (including oil changes) of plant and equipment shall be undertaken on the OffshoreIsland unless there is no practical alternative. If major servicing on the Offshore Island is necessary,the Superintendent must be informed and the servicing shall be carried out in a safe, sealed area;

» during construction all temporary tanks will be bunded and located away from the freshwater lens;

» during operations machinery and vehicles will not be refuelled on the Offshore Island;

» any plant and equipment found to be leaking (ie fuels, fluids and oils) must be immediately taken outof action and removed to a safe sealed area for repair; and

» when refuelling occurs there will be an ample amount of ‘rags’ on hand to clean up minor spills.


» no spills to occur in the vicinity of the Offshore Island or within 100 m of high tide levels.

Corrective Actions

In the event of a major spill the Contractor (at the time of construction) or Port Manager will:

» make sure the safety of the area of the spill and evacuate nonessential personnel;

» deploy the Spill Response Kit and trained personnel immediately to reduce the area of impact;

» use best endeavours to stop the source of the pollution;

» inform all emergency services via telephone of the situation;

» if an accident occurs at the time of construction, an incident report shall be filled out and submitted tothe Superintendent within 24 hours of the incident occurring. The Superintendent will provideDEWHA with a copy of the incident report; and

» if an accident occurs during operation of the facility, an incident report shall be filled out and submittedby the Port Manager within 24 hours of the incident occurring to DEWHA.

8.13 Emergency Response at Construction and OperationBackground

During operation a fuel enclosure consisting of an above ground, double containment steel tank allowingfor storage of up to 20,000L and tank pump will be provided. AS 1940 requires one powdertype fireextinguisher to be provided. The storage tank does not require bunding if double containment isadopted.

The potential types of emergency situations that may arise during construction and operation include thefollowing:

» Fire/explosion;

» Fuel/oil Spillage;


» Plant accident; or,

» Major storm event.

In the case of a fuel spill, or other such emergency, members of the existing Cocos Island EmergencyService Organisations may be called upon for assistance. The Contractor and Port Manager shall beaware of the existence of these groups and shall source assistance from the following emergencyservice organisations and have an appropriate contingency response.

Table 3 Emergency Contact Telephone Numbers for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Organisation Contact Telephone Number

Environment Officer Indian Ocean Territories (08) 6364 6680

West Island Emergency Number (Volunteer &Rescue Service)

(08) 9162 7777

Home Island Emergency Number (Volunteer &Rescue Service)

(08) 9162 7788

Cocos Islands Federal Police 000 or (08) 9162 6600

Cocos Islands Hospital (08) 9162 6655

Parks Australia North (08) 9162 6678

Management Objectives

To make sure the Contractor and Port Manager preparedness to prevent a spill from reaching theenvironment.

Actions

» the Contractor/Port Manager must demonstrate commitment to providing the necessary resources torespond to any emergency spill situations which may occur, in a way that will minimise the potentialimpacts on the environment;

» the Contractor/Port Manager shall develop and put in place an Emergency Response Plan to makecertain that it responds to any incidents that may impact on the environment and that all personnel,including contractors and subcontractors, are inducted in its application. This will include a spill cleanup plan for dealing with fuel or oil spills such that the risk of pollution of the marine environment isminimised;

» The Contractor shall provide a manifest of any potential water pollutants used for the construction ofthe works and shall provide details of cleanup and disposal procedures for each type whereapplicable;

» The Contractor/Port Manager shall have a Spill Response Kit, fire extinguisher and other emergencyresponse equipment fully maintained and readily available, with appropriate absorbing pads andbooms will be stored at all times; and

» This Spill Response Kits (for both construction and operation) shall include as a minimum:

– Containment booms;


– shovel to apply and clean up absorbent material;

– first aid kit;

– drum or other device to temporarily store contaminated absorbent during clean up process;

– fire extinguisher;

– spill pillows;

– bulk vermiculite or other proprietary material used to absorb spills; and

– appropriate PPE for persons involved in cleaning up the spill.

» As part of the spill response an empty tank with vacuum pump and hose for collection of spilt liquidwill be located nearby; and

» Contact phone numbers for relevant authorities are checked and updated monthly.


» The response time effectiveness of emergency control procedures;

» Effective clean up of spills.

Corrective Actions

» The effectiveness of emergency response will be evaluated following the event occurring. Anyrecommendations will be updated and placed in to the emergency response plan.


9. References

1. GHD Pty Ltd (2000) Cocos (Keeling) Islands Proposed Freight and Passenger Facilities at RumahBaru: Notice of Intent, for the Department of Transport and Regional Services, Canberra.

2. GHD Pty Ltd (2008) Cocos (Keeling) Islands – Rumah Baru Freight and Passenger Facilities:Functional Design Brief for the AttorneyGeneral’s Department, Canberra.

3. Halpern, Glick and Maunsell (2000) Environmental Investigations for the Proposed Freight andPassenger Facilities at Rumah Baru, Progress Report 8, for GHD, Perth.

4. Maunsell (2003) Environmental Investigations for the Proposed Freight and passenger Facilities atRumah Baru, Annual Report No. 3, for GHD, Perth.

5. Mellors, J. E. (1991) ‘An evaluation of a rapid visual technique for estimating seagrass biomass’Aquatic Botany, vol. 42, p 6773.

6. GHD Pty Ltd (2002) Passenger & Freight Terminal Rumah Baru, Cocos Islands: Report onGeotechnical Investigations, for the Department of Transport & Regional Services, Canberra.


FiguresFigure 1 Cocos (Keeling) Islands Location Plan

Figure 2 Cocos (Keeling) Islands West Island Plan

Figure 3 Bore Monitoring Sites (Source: Water Corporation)

Figure 4 Seagrass and Coral Monitoring Locations

Figure 5 Cocos (Keeling) Islands West Vegetation Map with ApproximateLocation of the Temporary Boat Ramp Access Track

6121786Fig1A.dwgCad File No:16 July, 2008 3:48 PMPlot Date:

CLIENTS PEOPLE PERFORMANCE

GHD HOUSE 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth WA 6004 Australia T 61 8 6222 8222 F 61 8 6222 8555 E [email protected] W www.ghd.com.au

scale

job no.rev no.

for A4 dateFigure

ATTORNEYGENERAL'S DEPARTMENTRUMAH BARU FACILITIESCOCOS (KEELING) ISLANDSLOCATION PLAN 01

6121786A

JUL 2008

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ghd.com.au

6121786Fig2A.dwgCad File No:16 July, 2008 3:47 PMPlot Date:


GHD HOUSE 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth WA 6004 Australia T 61 8 6222 8222 F 61 8 6222 8555 E [email protected] W www.ghd.com.au

scale

job no.rev no.

for A4 dateFigure

ATTORNEYGENERAL'S DEPARTMENTRUMAH BARU FACILITIESCOCOS (KEELING) ISLANDSWEST ISLAND PLAN 02

6121786A

JULY 2008



Figure 3 Bore Monitoring Locations (Source: Water Corporation)

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S7

S6

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S1

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C6

C5

C4C3

C2

C1

263,000

263,000

264,000

264,000

265,000

265,000

8,655

,000

8,655

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8,656

,000

8,656

,000

Figure 4

Job NumberRevision 1

612178602

G:\61\21786\GIS\mxds\612178602G2_Rev1.mxd F E W

Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994

Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 47

0 100 200 30050

Metres

LEGEND

o© 2007. While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD Pty Ltd and DATA SUPPLIER(S) make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD and DATA SUPPLIER(S) cannot accept liability of anykind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason.

Date 30 July 2007

T

Attorney General's DepartmentCKI Rumah Baru Environmental Services

Seagrass and CoralMonitoring Locations

Dataset names include published date where available. Background Imagery Cocos Islands 2006 provided by DOTARS. Created by: C Hoermann

239 Adelaide Terrace Perth WA 6004 Australia 61 8 6222 8222 61 8 6222 8555 [email protected] www.ghd.com.au

1:10,000 (at A4)

Monitoring Locations HGM 2003!( Seagrass!( Coral

Preliminary Design Overlay GHD 200807




DrawingDrawing 1 6121786G2 Rumah Baru Layout Plan

Drawing 2 6121786G7 Contractors Onshore Work Area

Drawing 3 6121786S33 Temporary Boat Ramp General Arragement

This Drawing must not beused for Construction unlesssigned as Approved

Date

CheckDrafting

DateApprovedCheckedDrawnRevisionNo A1Original Size

Title

Project

Client

Check

Designed

Approved

Drawn

Scale

DesignConditions of Use.This document may only be used byGHD's client (and any other person whoGHD has agreed can use this document)for the purpose for which it was preparedand must not be used by any otherperson or for any other purpose.

DO NOT SCALE

Note: * indicates signatures on original issue of drawing or last revision of drawing


GHD House, 239 Adelaide Tce Perth WA 6004PO Box Y3106 Perth WA 6832 AustraliaT 61 8 6222 8222 F 61 8 6222 8555E [email protected] W www.ghd.com.au

Plot Date: Cad File No:11 August 2008 3:24 PM G:\61\21786\CKIG 94 CAD\2008 Tender Dwgs\ISSUED FOR TENDER\CAD\6121786G2.dwg

6121786G2 0AS SHOWN

GLB GKB

JM* PS*

JT*

12.08.08




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DO NOT SCALE




Plot Date: Cad File No:11 August 2008 3:23 PM G:\61\21786\CKIG 94 CAD\2008 Tender Dwgs\ISSUED FOR TENDER\CAD\6121786G7.dwg

6121786G7 0NOT TO SCALE

GLB GKB

JM* PS*

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Date

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Plot Date: Cad File No:12 August 2008 2:56 PM G:\61\21786\CKIG 94 CAD\2008 Tender Dwgs\6121786S33.dwg

6121786S33 0AS SHOWN

A. SAMAIN P. RALLABHANDI

*N. WATTS *M. MOORE

GHD House, 239 Adelaide Tce Perth WA 6004 AustraliaPO Box Y3106 Perth WA 6832T 61 8 9429 6666 F 61 8 9429 6555E [email protected] W www.ghd.com.au






Appendix A

Summary of Environmental Actions andReporting Requirements


Table 4 Summary of Environmental Actions

Item Action Responsibility Timing

1. Superintendent shall issue the key stakeholders’ contact details tothe Contractor

Superintendent Prior to Construction4. Consultation

2. Contractor will correspond with the key stakeholders Contractor Prior, duration andcompletion of Construction

1. The Superintendent’s duties will include:

a) Periodic inspection of the construction works to inspect theContractor’s compliance with environmental requirements inthe construction specification;

b) approving the Contractor’s induction training program andmaterials;

c) communicating with local stakeholders and authorities whennecessary; and

d) auditing the Contractor’s environmental records andproviding Compliance Reports.

Superintendent Prior, duration andcompletion of Construction

7. EnvironmentalManagement

2. The Contractor is required to have their nominated environmentalsite representative approved by the Superintendent

Contractor Prior, duration andcompletion of Construction


The Contractor must prepare a CEMP including, but not limited to thefollowing:

» Dredging methodology including where all the dredge material willbe placed, how the dredge material will be transported, estimatedquantities of dredge material to be brought ashore, dewateringoperations and approximate timeline of the activities;

» Management of the impact of oil and waste spills from the dredge,including containing all wastes and spillages and implementappropriate storage and disposal practices;

» Whether overflow dredging is planned;

» Water logger specifications;

» Locations of water logger for trials;

» Silt curtain specifications and where they will be positioned duringdredging activities;

» Situations where the retention of the 20 m buffer zone is notpracticable;

» Turbidity trigger levels and methodology of measuring the turbiditywhilst characterising the plume;

» Detail as to how turbidity of the plume will be measured (i.e.through TSS, NTU, etc.);

» Results of the seagrass and coral health initial investigations to beincluded as a reference point;

» Determination of water logger and coral transect sites;

» Methodology of anticipating coral spawning.

Contractor Prior to Construction


1. The induction program as a minimum will include information onthe following issues:

» the need to conserve the marine environment of the Cocos(Keeling) Islands;

» the risks of a spill to the marine environment, spill clean uptechniques and procedures, and emergency procedures to followin the event of a spill;

» protection of public and private property;

» risks related to piling in the marine environment;

» noise and dust;

» pressure waves and vibration;

» awareness of water quality;

» occupational health and safety; and

» the procedure to be followed in the event that any material ofcultural significance is uncovered.

Contractor Prior to any workerscommencing work onsite

2. Make certain employees are sensitive to their cultural surroundingsand establish codes of behaviour to minimise disruption to the localcommunities.

Contractor Construction

8.1 General Program

3. The induction program is to be approved by the Superintendent. Contractor /Superintendent

Prior to Construction

1. The dredge vessel’s movements will be restricted to the confines ofthe project area.

Contractor During Construction

2. The dredge management plan will be followed as per Section8.2.1.

Contractor /Superintendent

Prior, during and followingdredging

8.2 DredgeManagement Plan

3. A silt curtain will be placed around the works area to contain finesediments produced from the dredging activity.



4. The Contractor will inspect the silt curtain on a daily basis toensure structural integrity. This will be documented and forwarded tothe Superintendent.


5. If the silt curtain is found to be damaged during regular inspection,work will immediately cease until the silt curtain is repaired andfunctioning properly.


6. Work activities will be undertaken in manner that ensures releasesof particulate matter are as low as reasonably practicable at all times.


7. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) weather forecast and warningswill be monitored daily for any forecast of extreme weather events(e.g. cyclones). Dredging will cease immediately upon the warning ofan extreme weather event and will not recommence until the eventhas either passed or the BoM has retracted the warning. Silt curtainswill be removed prior to extreme event occurring (if possible).


1. Assessment of background water quality levels. Contractor Prior to Construction

2. The existing monitoring bores within the freshwater lens will bemonitored on a weekly basis to make sure that no contamination ofthe water supply occurs.


8.3 Terrestrial WaterQuality Management

3. Quarterly reports of water quality monitoring will be sent by theContractor to the Superintendent and will be made available toDEWHA.


1. All noise generating construction equipment will be appropriatelymuffled, housed or acoustically baffled in compliance with installationstandards and building codes to ensure compliance with theEnvironmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.


2. All construction work will be carried out using equipment in goodworking order.


8.4 Noise andVibration

3. Work will be generally carried out during daylight hours. Contractor Construction


4. If work is required to be undertaken outside daylight hours, a noisemanagement plan will be prepared by the Contractor for this activitywith appropriate notice given to nearby residents via letter,newspaper article or radio.


5. The Contractor shall monitor noise levels associated with projectconstruction and respond immediately to any noise complaints thatmay occur. Noise complaints will be entered into a register which willbe made available to the Superintendent.


6. Construction equipment will be inspected on a weekly basis toensure good working order of noise minimisation fittings such asbaffling, muffling or housing of equipment components.


1. Appropriate signage will be erected advising the community that toensure their safety all recreational activities at Rumah Baru will betemporarily suspended.


2. Ferry activities are not impacted by the Rumah Baru constructionand dredging operations.


3. The boat ramp launching ramp, and moorings will be temporarilyrelocated.


4. The community will be made aware of the construction activitiesbeing undertaken via local media, particularly noticeboards and VKWlocal radio daily notices.


8.5 Traffic andDisturbance to thePopulation

5. Access to water galleries, Sub Station 5 and wet tip via RumahBaru Road. will be maintained throughout construction, unless asagreed with the relevant authorities.


1. Dredging will take place during the months April to September. Ifdredging is to occur outside of this timeframe, the Contractor will berequired to obtain the relevant permit with regards to the Green andHawksbill Turtles from DEWHA. The Contractor should note permitstake a minimum of six weeks for processing.

Contractor Construction8.6 Marine Flora andFauna

2. Turtle Excluding Devices (TEDs) will be fitted to the dredge inaccordance with current best practice.



3. The dredge will only be turned on once it is in position for dredgingand will be turned off once it is no longer required. The dredge shouldnot be in operation when it is being placed into and pulled out of thewater.


4. dredging will only occur during daylight hours. Contractor Construction

5. A visual survey of the proposed dredge channel and surroundingenvironment for significant coral.


Prior to Construction

6. A silt curtain will be placed around the works area prior to dredgingto contain fine sediments produced from the dredging activity.


7. The silt curtain is inspected on a daily basis to ensure structuralintegrity.


8. Injuries or deaths of any turtles as a result of construction shouldbe reported by the Contractor in the Complaints Register, to theSuperintendent and to DEWHA.


9. If the silt curtain is found to be damaged during regular inspection,work will immediately cease until the silt curtain is repaired andfunctioning properly.


10. Determination of occurrence and duration of coral spawning.Dredging will cease one day prior to and post the coral spawningevent.


11. Coral monitoring as per the dredge management plan. Contractor /Superintendent

Construction

12. Construction activities will only be performed during daylighthours.


13. Noise will be kept to a minimum as per the actions set out inSection 8.4.


14. Limit and enforce a speed limit of 8 knots for vessels within thenear shore of the channel and basin.

Port Manager Operation


15. Lighting will continue to be inward facing where possible and keptto a minimum on the island. Where lights are positioned for the solepurpose of spilling into the marina these will only be switched onwhen necessary for safety of vessel operation and pedestrian traffic.This will be controlled through the use of a timer.


16. Post monitoring will include:

» measuring the distance between the channel edge and permanentmarkers placed adjacent to the channel;

» photographic monitoring; and

» direct measurement of sediment deposition.


1. Any unnecessary removal or damage to native vegetation duringconstruction will be avoided.


2. The Superintendent will perform a terrestrial fauna survey inrespect of fauna nominated in Schedule 12 of the EPBC Regulations2000. The results of the survey will be provided to DEWHA prior tothe commencement of works;

Superintendent Prior to Construction

3. The Superintendent will resurvey the construction area forsignificant flora to verify the survey located in Figure 5. The results ofthe survey will be provided to DEWHA prior to the commencement ofworks.


4. Areas to be disturbed are to be clearly flagged prior to thecommencement of works.


5. All strands of Calophyllum inophyllum and any other significantflora (as determined by the flora survey detailed above) will beprotected.


8.7 Terrestrial FloraAnd Fauna

6. Coconut palms and other vegetation within the 20 m wideforeshore protection zone will be retained where practical to provide awind break for onshore freight and passenger operations, includingcar park facilities.



7. Trees to be removed will be felled in a manner that ensures theyfall within the approved clearing area or onto already cleared land.


8. If removal of any major strand trees becomes necessary, thenconsultation will be undertaken prior to any action being taken.


Construction

9. The unnecessary removal of vegetation will be reported to theSuperintendent and noted in the Complaints Register by theContractor.


10. Regular inspection of the construction site to make sure thatremoval of native vegetation is being minimised and that all stands ofCalophyllum inophyllum are being protected.

Superintendent Construction

11. The Contractor will acquire the necessary permits from DEWHAwith regards to any protected fauna on the island as specified by theSuperintendent. The Contractor should note permits take a minimumof six weeks to process.


12. All strands of Calophyllum inophyllum and any other significantflora (as determined by the flora survey detailed above), will beclearly marked by the Contractor under instruction from theSuperintendent prior to construction activities commencing


13. The marking of Calophyllum inophyllum stands will be monitoredto make sure that they remain clearly identifiable.


14. the Contractor shall meet the following requirements as a prerequisite for utilising the existing cleared areas at the water galleriesalong Rumah Baru Access Road as a dry storage facility duringconstruction:

» The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting the existingassets i.e. fencing or bollards etc; and

» The Contractor shall be responsible for full reinstatement of thegallery areas after completion.


8.8 Rehabilitation andVisual Environment

1. The removal of native vegetation shall be minimised to makecertain visual amenity is retained.



2. The turning bay area of the temporary boat ramp vicinity shall berehabilitated with appropriate native flora species after constructionhas been completed.


3. Coconut palms and other vegetation within the 20 m wideforeshore buffer zone will be retained where practical to provide awind break for onshore freight and passenger operations, includingcar park facilities.


4. The project area boundaries shall be delineated to make sure thatthe surrounding areas (not forming part of the project area) areadequately protected and not used for car parking, heavy machineryturnarounds, storage areas and dumping sites. Protected speciessuch as crabs are to be protected outside the project area.


5. Empty storage containers located on the Offshore Island will not bestored at more than two layers high.


6. Excess dredge material in the stilling basin will be pushed into onestockpile for future use. Cocos nucifera is expected to encroach uponthe stilling basin shortly post construction, thereby protecting theremaining area of the stilling basin from erosion.

Contractor Construction/PostConstruction

7. Ongoing monitoring of wind erosion from the stilling basin will beperformed. Where necessary mitigation measures will be taken.


1. The Superintendent will consult with AQIS regarding the disposalof water resulting from any quarantine washdown operations.


2. All imported materials will be stored in a designated area andinspected by AQIS prior to use.


8.9 Quarantine

3. The Contractor is required to consult with and obtain certificationfrom AQIS and the Department of Fisheries regarding InvasiveMarine Pest Species (IMPs) and the vessels these species may bebrought in on.

Contractor Prior to and DuringConstruction


4. The Contractor and Contractor’s personnel will familiarisethemselves with quarantine rules as they pertain to Cocos Island andmake sure they comply with al import export restrictions andrequirements.


5. Quarantine facilities will be located on the Offshore Island tominimise potential for undesirable elements reaching landside.


6. Washdown waters will pass through a grated pit and aninterceptor to drop out any sediment from the wash water.


7. Washdown water will be transferred to the lagoon such that ‘bugs’are destroyed upon immersion in salt water.


8. The Offshore Island will have interceptor pits to collect the firstflush of runoff containing the majority of potential pollutants such asoils. The interceptor pits will prevent direct discharge of thesepollutants to the sea.


9. Several interceptor traps will be located around the Offshore Islandto provide centralised treatment of runoff. Build up of pollutants in theinterceptors will be monitored and cleaned out on a regular basis.


10. Worker induction will outline requirements of good quarantineprotocols at the site.


1. If any items suspected to be of an archaeological or historic natureare uncovered during construction work will stop immediately in thevicinity to avoid accidental disturbance.


2. The Contractor will immediately inform the Superintendent of anyheritage items that are uncovered during works. The Superintendentwill liaise with the Department of Environment and Heritage for furtherinformation.


3. Appropriate conservation of any items found with significantheritage value will be ensured.

Superintendent Construction

8.10 Archaeology andHeritage

4. Induction training for construction staff will include awareness ofprocedures to be followed in the event that any material of culturalsignificance is uncovered.



1. The Contractor’s induction for its workforce will outline therequirements for waste minimisation and management practices. Allworkers will be encouraged to minimise waste production and tomake sure that any wastes produced are disposed of appropriately.


2. All staff working on the project must not dispose of litter (includingwrappings, plastic takeaway containers, drink cans, cigarette buttsand construction waste) into the water, or leave it where it may endup in the water. All litter produced on site shall be disposed of inaccordance with SCKI waste disposal requirements.


3. Waste (including construction waste) that is disposed of to thelicensed landfills shall be done in accordance with SCKIrequirements. Waste that is disposed of to locations other thanlicensed landfills shall be done so in accordance with landowner andDEWHA instructions.


8.11 ConstructionWaste Management

4. All materials imported on to the island will be required to haveminimal packaging and where possible constructed before shipment.


1. A suitable Spill Response Kit will be provided that meets therelevant Australian Standards.

Contractor /Port Manager

Construction / Operation8.12 Pollution ControlDuring Constructionand Operation

2. This Spill Response Kit shall include:

» Containment booms;

» shovel to apply and clean up absorbent material;

» first aid kit;

» drum or other device to temporarily store contaminated absorbentduring clean up process;

» fire extinguisher;

» spill pillows;

» bulk vermiculite or other proprietary material used to absorb spills;and

» appropriate PPE for persons involved in cleaning up the spill


Construction / Operation


3. As part of the spill response an empty tank with vacuum pump andhose for collection of spilt liquid will be located within the spillresponse kit or will be located nearby.



4. the Spill Response Kit will be inspected on a monthly basis tomake certain that all items are in working order and accounted for.



5. Specific personnel will be trained to use the Spill Response Kit.These personnel will also have mobile communication readilyavailable to them.



6. Monthly visual inspection of the leachate on the adjacent lagoon asa result from the toilet facilities.


7. No major servicing (including oil changes) of plant and equipmentshall be undertaken on the Offshore Island unless there is nopractical alternative. If major servicing on the Offshore Island isnecessary, the Superintendent must be informed and the servicingshall be carried out in a safe, sealed area;


8. All temporary tanks will be bunded and located away from thefreshwater lens.


9. Machinery and vehicles will not be refuelled on the Offshore Island Port Manager Operation

10. Any plant and equipment found to be leaking (ie fuels, fluids andoils) must be immediately taken out of action and removed to a safesealed area for repair.



11. When refuelling occurs there will be an ample amount of suitablematerials on hand to clean up minor spills.



8.13 EmergencyResponse atConstruction andOperation

1. The Contractor/Port Manager must demonstrate commitment toproviding the necessary resources to respond to any emergency spillsituations which may occur, in a way that will minimise the potentialimpacts on the environment.




2. The Contractor/Port Manager shall develop and put in place anEmergency Response Plan to make certain that it responds to anyincidents that may impact on the environment and that all personnel,including contractors and subcontractors, are inducted in itsapplication. This will include a spill clean up plan for dealing with fuelor oil spills such that the risk of pollution of the marine environment isminimised.



3. The Contractor/Port Manager shall provide a manifest of anypotential water pollutants used for the construction of the works andshall provide details of cleanup and disposal procedures for eachtype where applicable.



4. The Contractor/Port Manager shall have a Spill Response Kit, fireextinguisher and other emergency response equipment fullymaintained and readily available, with appropriate absorbing padsand booms will be stored at all times.



5. This Spill Response Kit shall include:

» Containment booms;

» shovel to apply and clean up absorbent material;

» first aid kit;

» drum or other device to temporarily store contaminated absorbentduring clean up process;

» fire extinguisher;

» spill pillows;

» bulk vermiculite or other proprietary material used to absorb spills;and

» appropriate PPE for persons involved in cleaning up the spill



6. As part of the spill response an empty tank with vacuum pump andhose for collection of spilt liquid will be located within the spillresponse kit or will be located nearby.




7. Contact phone numbers for relevant authorities are checked andupdated monthly.




Table 5 Reporting Requirements for the Contractor

Report Timing* Submission To

Construction Environmental Management Plan Approval must granted by the Superintendent and DEWHA prior toconstruction.

Superintendent, DEWHA andDEC

Emergency Response Plan At least 2 weeks before construction begins Superintendent

Monitoring reports of turbidity and sedimentation Report and data submitted within 7 days of weekly download of datafrom water loggers.

Superintendent

Report only to DEWHA and DEC

Monitoring reports of seagrass and coral health Within 10 days of completion of each period of monitoring. Superintendent

Quarterly groundwater monitoring reports Within two weeks of completion of each period of monitoring Superintendent, DEWHA andDEC

Documentation of silt curtain inspection Weekly for the first two weeks. Fortnightly thereafter. Superintendent

Complaints register Within 48 hours of a new item. If more than one new item per week,the register may be submitted weekly.

Superintendent

Incident Report Within 24 hours of an incident Superintendent

*If the Contractor cannot meet this proposed timing, they will need to obtain approval from the Superintendent.

Table 6 Reporting Requirements for the Port Manager

Report Timing* Submission To

Emergency Response Plan At least 2 weeks before operations begins DEWHA and DEC

Monitoring results of the Ablution facilities, stillingbasin, emergency response kit and postmonitoring of the channel and sedimentation

Every six months DEWHA and DEC

Incident Report Within 24 hours of an incident DEWHA and DEC

*If the Facility Manager cannot meet this proposed timing, they will need to obtain approval from DEWHA.


Appendix B

Coral Bommie Locations (HGM 2002)

Please Note:

1. The design of the island and on shore facilities is based upon the 2002/2003 designwhich is similar to the current design. The position of the channel however remains thesame.

2. Coordinates are in WSG84

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Appendix C

Planning Scheme for Cocos (Keeling)Islands (2007)


Appendix D

Geotechnical Investigations Extracts (GHD2002)


Appendix E

Response to DEWHA’s commentsregarding the original submission of theEnvironmental Management Plan

Includes Flora and Fauna Surveys

rtment of Environment Water Heritage and Arts

ment Plan

ng) Islands Response to DEWHA Queries on Environmental Management Plan

Commonwealth Depa

Environmental ManageAddendum Rumah Baru, Cocos

(Keeli

November 2008

Contents

3

3 proach 3

se to DEWHA Information Requests 4

ction 1.3 4 8

2.3 Section 8.2 10 2.4 Section 8.6 11 2.5 Section 8.7 16

Appendices Appendix A Ecological Survey Update 2008, Rumah Baru Appendix B Location of Significant Fiddler Crab (Uca signata)

habitat in relation to Stilling Basin.

1. Background

1.1 General Information

1.2 Ap

2. Respon

2.1 Se

2.2 Section 5.1

61/21786 Response to DEWHA Rumah Barum EMP Addendum

1. Background

h Baru nds Territory.

n (Impact of s being undertaken ) under the BC). Section 3 of

ent under the EPBC.

ongoing ith specific questions on

aspects of the EMP. Some of these queries related to aspects of nature conservation and ecology of the sequently a GHD Principal Scientist was engaged to review existing information

ents on the EMP (with values) and to undertake additional surveys within the Rumah Baru project

necessary to address the queries from DEWHA.

nature conservation f the EMP as submitted.

ief):

boat ramp;

es to the temporary

of removal strategies;

ture since previous surveys;

Between the period October 27th to November 3rd nature conservation values within the Rumah Baru project area were surveyed and the conservation and natural environmental values were documented. This survey updated the previous 2002 surveys, taking into account any changes in the original Rumah Baru design and changes in vegetation patterns (growth and recruitment). The updated survey report is presented in Appendix A, and is the basis for addressing the Commonwealth’s information requests in relation to the EMP.

In the following sections the GHD response (based on field surveys and discussion with West Island residents) have been incorporated following the Commonwealth information request.

1.1 General Information GHD has been engaged by the Attorney General’s Department to project manage the RumaFreight and Passenger Facilities development on West Island, in the Cocos (Keeling) Isla

The project was original approved under the Commonwealth Environment ProtectioProposals) Act 1974 (EPIP). This Act was repealed in 2000, with further assessmentby the Commonwealth Department of Environment Water Heritage and Arts (DEWHAprovisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPthe EMP of the original EPIP application has been exempted from further assessm

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was submitted to DEWHA as part of the assessment process. Following a review of the EMP DEWHA have responded w

project area, and subrelative to the conservation values of the project area, to review the DEWHA commrespect to the conservationarea to collate any additional ecological information

1.2 Approach The Commonwealth DEWHA have identified information deficiencies in relation toaspects o

Specifically further information has been requested on (in br

Section 1.3, identification of areas of significant Fiddler Crab habitat;

Section 5.1, environmental issues related to construction of the temporary

Section 5.1, environmental issues related to creation of alternative access routboat ramp;

Section 8.2, comment on natural elevated turbidity levels in the lagoon;

Section 8.6, comment on turtle activity and impact mitigation strategies;

Section 8.6, visual assessment of significant coral outcrops and identification

Section 8.7, assessment of changes in vegetation type and struc

361/21786 Response to DEWHA Rumah Baru EMP Addendum

2. Response to DEWHA Information Requests

2.1Com

eling) Island has a significant population of Fiddler Crab (Uca signata) land, which are protected under the EPBC Act. Areas of significant Fiddler

ation of the

d (Uca signata), other species of crabs were also surveyed within t ramp and parking

r the purposes of so established in

Islands (eg: Gibson a spp) in other regions

cies for intertidal areas with “marine silts” or

ts, however in the ly restricted to the shallow embayments locally referred to

ns are bordered by flora as a thin fringe

rating the internal lagoon from the extensive coconut tive vegetation and

itat for fiddler crabs

comprises exclusively a dense coconut (Cocos nucifera) plantation with this area identified no

habitat for fiddler

al cues (colouration and claw nut understorey and

ssibility of any visual display by this species.

The ground substrate in the stilling basin is entirely unconsolidated calcareous sand, with a very fine surface horizon of organic material from decomposing coconut material. Fiddler crabs require a soil with high silt/clay content in order to construct the burrows typical of their guild. Their burrows may be deep, and generally penetrate to the water table. The soil conditions necessary for burrow construction and maintenance are not present in the stilling basin area.

To verify the above, transects were undertaken in the internal lagoon area nearest to the Rumah Baru project area (south of the existing road, and more than 150m from the existing stilling basin boundary –

Section 1.3 monwealth information request:

“Cocos (Keinhabiting the isCrab habitat must be detailed and included in the EMP in respect to the locstilling basin.”

Addendum to EMP response:

In addition to the Fiddler Crab specifiethe lease area. This included detailed surveys within the stilling basin, temporary boaarea, access roads and in neighbouring habitats to the Rumah Baru project area. Foassessing the significance of any populations identified, comparative transects were alsimilar environments elsewhere on West Island.

Previous published information on the distribution of fiddler crabs in Cocos (Keeling)Hill 1950, Wood-Jones 1909, Morgan 1994) and on the same group of species (Uc(eg: Nobbs et al 1999) have highlighted the habitat preferences of these spea high percentage of silt/clays in the substrate, in soil types typically described as“marine muds”. These soil types are usually associated with mangrove environmencase of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are entireas “lagoons” (excluding the main atoll lagoon). These shallow internal lagoospecies such as Pemphis acidula, Suriana maritima, and Argusia argentea that exist (often only a tree thick) riparian zone sepaplantations. In many places about these internal lagoons there are no fringing nacoconuts dominate into the tidal zone. These intertidal areas are the exclusive habas confirmed with field surveys for this EMP amendment.

The stilling basin area occasional Morinda citrifolia native trees in the understorey/subcanopy. Surveys in fiddler crab presence, with any no part of the stilling basin being identified as suitablecrabs. This assertion is made on the following basis:

Fiddler crabs are a communal species, with a high reliance on visudisplay) for territory maintenance and breeding purposes. The very dense cocogroundcover (fallen leaves, nuts and organic detritus) completely preclude the po


refer Figure 1, Appendix B). This internal lagoon area is open (no vegetation excepperimeter) and is inundated to varying degrees depending on the daily tidal regime.

t on the riparian The soils are

ge of the lagoon and as of the lagoons.

h were abundant, with the densities of the overall crab strate type, regularity of tidal inundation and with distance from the

edge of the internal

ge of the lagoon, portance

e lagoon as critical nursery area for this species. Juveniles were most common in shaded areas on the fringes of the internal lagoon.

Uca signata (a Fiddler crab) – abundant and domi ire internal lagoon.

Uca chlorophthalmus (a Fiddler crab) – co-dom ughout the internal lagoon.

silty/clay marine soils, with a variable sand fraction which increases towards the eddegenerates to complete “marine muds” in the regularly tidally inundated central are

Four species of crabs were identified, all of whicpopulation varying depending on subinterface of the internal lagoon with the edge of the internal lagoon.

The four species identified included:

Macrophthalmus verreauxii (Sentinel crab) - most common in areas closest to thelagoon.

Cardisoma carnifex (Purple land crab) - occasional adult crab burrows on the edhowever the majority of the crabs observed were juveniles of this species, suggesting the imof th

nant in most areas over the ent

inant with the above species thro

Juvenile Purple Land crab (Cardisoma carnifex).

Living in burrows in shaded areas on the fringes

of the lagoon in high population densities.

on provides critical resources for

in the juvenile phase.

Photo: A Small GHD 2008

The internal lago

the life cycle of this species

Sentinel crab (Macrophthalmus verreauxii),

common in areas on the edges of the internal

lagoon.



Female Uca chlorophthalmus, (Fiddler crab)

abundant, widespread and codominant with Uca

signata (below).

A Small GHD 2008

Photo:


Fiddler crabs of both species were abundant and v

Female Uca signata, (Fiddler crab) abundant,

widespread and codominant with Uca

chlorophthalmus (above).

n along all transects (which were up to urrows (and actual r perimeters of the

r proportion

from the project ing the environmental

s within coconut dominated monoculture on areas increasing directly proportional

he internal lagoon near Rumah Baru.

U. chlorophthalmus) is located within the ately 110m from the stilling basin area.

A portion of the lease area extending south of the existing Rumah Baru access road incorporates a small section of the internal lagoon identified in the surveys as important to fiddler crabs. The demarcation between fiddler crab habitat areas and the start of the coconut plantation within the lease area is

ery commo

The results were identical, ie: no occurrence at all of fiddler crabvegetation (as in the stilling basin), and crab densities in the lagoto substrate composition in densities similar to that as observed in t

The nearest population of Fiddler crabs (both Uca signata and internal lagoon south of the Rumah Baru access road, approxim

100m long and perpendicular to the internal lagoon edge). On average fiddler crab bcrabs) for both species varied from a density of 5 to 7 per square metre on the sandieinternal lagoon and up to 20 to 30 per square metre on sections of the transect on highesilt/clays.

Other transects were similarly established in the southern parts of West Island (awayarea) in both coconut dominated vegetation and in intertidal lagoon areas, replicatconditions within the stilling basin and adjacent internal lagoon.


extremely definitive, defined by the substrate composition. Fiddler crabs do not inhabsand soils beneath the coconuts and are entirely restricted to the open areas of the in

Provided works in the Rumah Baru area do not involve infilling o

it the calcareous ternal lagoon.

r disturbance by vehicles within the open sections of the internal lagoon (and are restricted to the coconut plantation dominated areas), no adverse impacts are anticipated on the critical habitat values of the internal lagoon area.

Monotypic coconut plantation on edge of

transect at start of stilling basin. Ground

coverage by fallen coconuts/leaves was

greater than 95%.

No fiddler crabs observed (either burrows or

crabs).

View from end of a

long) from cent

transect (approx 100m

re of lagoon nearest Rumah

Baru looking towards edge of internal lagoon.

A portion of this area is within the lease

s, crab activity was in the

ws per square

metre in this locality.

boundary

Although not obviou

order of 17 to 25 crabs/burro

Typical male Uca signata, displaying highly

visual claw. This visual display (both for

territoriality and courtship display) would not

be visible in the dense coconut dominated

stilling basin.



2.2Com

to be constructed 400m sting boat ramp at Rumah Baru..........The EMP must address the proposed

ioning of the ation.”

nce for boat ting access tracks (from

p was chosen so as not to require the clearing of nophyllum, Argusia

nesting areas.

boat ramp area

with no significant oral community begins

ther 200m towards northwards of the temporary boat ramp.

n breeding site for White terns ggshells) were noted

t breeding in the was seasonally dependent. For most of the year strong south easterly

ting only occurring were noted nesting

ent nesting was noted in icinity.

ciated with the temporary boat ramp construction will be outside the

Construction of the temporary boat ramp will result in filling in of Purple Land-crab (Cardisoma carnifex) burrows. Land crabs are a common and conspicuous part of the ground fauna of the project area, and (similar to other areas of the island) are in relatively high densities in the foreshore area (up to 3 crabs/square metre). Crab populations will not be adversely affected, as the relatively small area of impact (by comparison with balance of available habitat and population on West Island) sustains only a very small proportion of land crabs.

Other crab species in the vicinity of the temporary boat ramp include the ubiquitous Red Hermit crab, Coenobita perlatus, Hairy Hermit crab, Coenobita rugosa and the Horn-eyed Ghost crab Ocypode ceratophthalma. The Horn-eyed Ghost crab were confined to the immediate beach areas, whereas the


“The Department notes that a temporary boat ramp is proposed north of the exidesign, construction, methodology, access requirements and decommisstemporary boat ramp, as well as any environmental issues relating to its loc


The area of the temporary boat ramp was chosen on the basis of maintaining a safe distausers from dredge and construction activity, and also to maximise usage of exisMahmood Farm). The exact location of the boat ramany significant native flora, particularly littoral vegetation comprising Calophyllum iargentea, Suriana maritima and Terminalia catappa and to avoid any potential turtle

A survey was undertaken of the environmental values of the immediate temporary (including the beach access, car parking area and access track).

Construction of the temporary boat ramp will result in the clearing of coconut trees, native vegetation necessary to be cleared. A stand of Calophyllum inophyllum littapproximately 10m south of the temporary boat ramp and extends southwards a furthe existing Rumah Baru ramp. Isolated individuals of Argusia argentea are presenttemporary boat ramp but will not be affected by the construction or operation of the

The Calophyllum community south of the temporary boat ramp is a know(Gygis alba). Evidence of previous nesting (including dropping staining and ebeneath one tree. Anecdotal information from residents of West Island indicated thaCalophyllums near Rumah Baru winds result in unfavourable conditions for birds to nest in this exposed site, with nesduring the doldrums when wind speed and direction alter significantly. White ternson the western (the leeward) side of the island at Trannies Beach, but no currany trees along the eastern (the windward) side of West Island in the Rumah Baru v

The majority of activity assodoldrums period and with no Calophyllums within the development area, nesting activity for White terns is not expected to be adversely impacted.


Red Hermit crab and Hairy Hermit crab was frequently encountered in the littoral zobeach. Impacts on all three of these crab species is expected to be reversible and twith the predominant habitat areas for these species being in the littoral and foresh

ne as well as on the emporary in nature,

ore zone which will not be impacted apart from the immediate breach in the littoral vegetation for the temporary boat ramp. All species are common and abundant on the islan porary and minor.

d, and any impacts would be tem

Horn-eyed Ghost cra

common along all the for

Island.

b Ocypode ceratophthalma,

eshore areas of West

Species will not be adversely impacted by the

temporary boat ramp construction. The species is

very mobile and active, and rapidly able to

relocate during disturbance events.


Red Hermit crab

co

, Coenobita perlatus, also

mmon in the foreshore and littoral areas about

the temporary boat ramp and car park area.

Species is widely distributed over West Island,

and the temporary car park and boat ramp area

are not unique habitats for this species which may

be encountered in similar environments

sts for the current Rumah Baru facility. h extensive areas of sea grass

cent the boat ramp. Impacts from the a grasses are considered to be

s (Eretmochelys imbriciata) are r species nest on the beaches in

will not be affected by the proposed works. As the

throughout the island.


Use of the temporary boat ramp will be of a similar intensity as exiThe immediate inshore environment is identical to Rumah Baru, wit(predominantly Thalassia) in the shallow waters immediately adjaconstruction and utilisation of the temporary boat ramp on these setemporary in duration, reversible and minor in intensity and nature.

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and more rarely Hawksbill turtlefrequently encountered in the waters offshore from Rumah Baru. Neithethe vicinity of the proposed temporary boat ramp, and


intensity of usage of the temporary boat ramp is to be the same as that of the current boat ramp, no cumul

Com

re work areas to ative access routes will be required and

nsure community access to Rumah Baru. The EMP must display them iated with the

routes are required to Rumah Baru during construction. The existing boat ramp along the existing Rumah Baru road will be maintained for access to the

wet s are anticipated.

2.3Com

ndicated that plumes of suspended sediment and rms of disturbance in the lagoon are common. Clarification is sought as to

nitoring of Total lagoon. ted turbidity

re surveys of the dredge channel. West Island

as in the average 15 to 25 winds) are the

ly exposed to the have a direct effect of the dredge

s of the dredge plumes were directly

ter wave action caused by the prevailing winds. The turbulence was obvious when diving along the dredge channel, with fine suspended sands getting into diving equipment and clothing. The rate of movement of these sand plumes were largely determined the strength of the dominant south to north current, with this in turn determined by the state of the tide, being most noticeable during incoming and outgoing (flood and ebb tides), and less so during neap periods and at the top and bottom of the tide. The intensity and duration of the suspended sands appeared to be directly related to wind speed on the surface. During several squalls with winds speeds around 40 knots suspended sands were enough to be abrasive on exposed skin when diving. Suspended sand plumes were not evident in the few occasions when wind speed dropped significantly (estimated to be less than 15 knots).

ative impacts are expected from any boat activity.

monwealth information request:

“Should the terrestrial component of the facilities construction phase requibe closed off to the general public, alternmaintained to evisually on the layout plan and address any environmental impacts assoccreation of alternative access routes.”


No alternative accesswill be closed, however access

tip, substation 5 and water galleries. Subsequently no environmental impact


“The EMP states that observations have iother natural fowhether these observations have been based on previous background moSuspended Solids (TSS) or Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) within theResults from any monitoring that can substantiate the claim of natural elevalevels in the lagoon should be attached to the EMP.”


The following is a comment on observations made during the offshoDuring the survey period very strong south-easterly winds were experienced. Themeteorological station confirmed that wind strength during this survey period wknots range (with squall gusts to 40 knots), and that these winds (south-easterly tradedominant wind for the majority (to 9 months ) of the year. Rumah Baru is completedominant winds that sweep across the lagoon from the southeast, and these windson the shallow waters of the lagoon in the works area. Owing to the shallow waterchannel (less than 2 m) wind effect are manifested in two key ways:

Suspended sand sediments: - fine sand plumes were obvious in the deeper waterchannel (1 to 2m depth), in areas devoid of stabilising seagrass. These generated by the turbulent shallow wa


Contribution of seagrass and algae: - seagrass and algal growth cover a signshallower waters (less than 1.5m depth) of the proposed dredge channel and beunderwater visibility (see below) during sustained windy periods (for periodseveral hours with prevailing southeasterly wind speeds in the 15 to 20 knotextend

ificant proportion of the rth basin. General

s of time greater than range) was poor, often

ing only several metres in the shallow water. This was the result of high levels of ter turbulence,

nd turbulent water

investigation period ing rough water

n in excess of 20 ithout seagrass

s of the dredge channel, and dislodging and suspending seagrass and algae in shallower parts of the channel. These southeast trades are the dominant winds of the Cocos Islands, and anecdotal information from local boat ramp users s r visibility as a result of the turbidity is a frequent and commonplace oc astern) side of West Island during these periods.

broken/suspended sea grass and algae fragments displaced by the shallow waresulting in a distinctive green “haze” in the water during high wind speeds aconditions.

Taken overall, water visibility in the lagoon area of the dredge channel during thewas considered to be “poor” with underwater visibility limited to several metres durconditions. This arose from the combination of strong prevailing trade winds (ofteknots) creating strong turbulence in shallow water, suspending fine sands (in areas wcover) in deeper part

uggest that the poor underwatecurrence on the windward (e

Typical low visibility, less than 3 metres

visibility with suspended sea grass/algae

fragments (green haze) and sand

contributing to turbidity.

Small Blue Porites coral outcrops typical of

the dredge channel.

2.4 Section 8.6

“The EMP states that Green and Hawksbill turtles have been identified as likely to be present during the baseline and interim surveys. Turtle Excluding Devices (TED) must be fitted to the dredge in accordance with current best practice. The Rumah Baru site is also recognised as a significant turtle feeding site, providing deep water seagrass feeding habitat. Mitigation measures to reduce boat strikes must be included in the EMP.”


Specific surveys were undertaken to determine the presence of Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbriciata) in the waters off Rumah Baru. Green turtles are common,

Commonwealth information request:


and abundant throughout the entire area however the Rumah Baru location is not uas similar abundance of presence for Green turtles was noted along the majority(windward side) of West Island. Hawksbill turtles are rare, with one individual noted side of West Island, near the existing jetty on the north eastern side of the island and an

nique in this respect of the eastern

along the eastern other in the

ill turtles nest on the erged at high tide.

active in feeding in y in the morning

(4 in total) that night side of the island.

es in deeper water dge channel limits. No turtles were

pting for carnivorous, and are

ing coral

aru site. During be most vulnerable to

residents rimarily “sleeping” in deeper waters (5 -10m or more) offshore from

el limits. This was es in deep water during daylight hours. The likelihood of boat

oaching the outer pportunity to

ly aware of boat

undertaken at night,

Baru facility. However st likely not to be in

ently the ferry service arrives approximately 6.30 am, with the last ferry on most days departing re two additional ferries at about 6.00 pm and at 8.30 pm. The ferry and

othe erating cautiously and at slow spe low intensity use of the Rumah Baru facility in the evening (once a week, early in the evenings), no increase in private or authority boat traffic, the observed pattern of turtle activity (early morning) during periods when the facility is unlikely to be use, and the general low speed environment to safely navigate the channel, it is not expected that there would be any cumulative impacts on Green on Hawksbill turtles from the use of the new facilities.

Commonwealth information request:

“The Department seeks clarification as to whether a visual assessment has been performed to confirm that significant outcrops of coral will not be affected by the dredge

vicinity of the outer part of the dredge channel. Neither the Green turtle nor HawksbRumah Baru beach as the beach head is too narrow in width being completely subm

Adult Green turtles are primarily herbivorous, and were noted as being exceptionallythe shallow water seagrass meadows during the evening – predominantly very earl(between 2 to 5 am in particular). This pattern was repeated over all the eveningstime surveys were conducted, and was a pattern observed repeatedly down the east Turtle activity during the day was extremely limited, with occasional surfacing of turtl(to 10 m depth) approximately 120 m from the edge of the dreobserved as being active within the shallow waters of the Rumah Baru area during day, exceone Hawksbill turtle at the outer section of the dredge channel. Hawksbill turtles are not dependent on the seagrass beds of the Rumah Baru area. Their primary habitat is the fringreef systems of the atoll, and would only rarely venture into shallower water.

Increased boat activity is not expected to be a threat to turtles utilising the Rumah Bdaylight hours no turtles were observed in the shallower waters where they would boat strikes. Green turtles were not feeding during daylight hours, and during this time local confirmed that Green turtles are pRumah Baru and starting approximately 120 m from the edge of the dredge channconfirmed with observations of green turtlstrike on turtles in deep water is remote, turtles are agile and aware, and boats apprmarkers of the dredge channel are not likely to be at speed, giving turtles an increased oavoid boats. Whilst diving, turtles were observed coming up for air, but were extremeand diver activity and were very cautious.

Based on the general observations, it is recommended that dredge activity not beadditional to the other recommendations in the EMP.

Boat activity is most likely to be a risk to turtles during evening use of the Rumahmost turtle activity was identified as very early in the morning, when the facility is mouse. Currat 4 pm. Once a week there a

r boats/barges within the dredged channel and berth basin will be oped, particularly considering the shallow water about the facility. Given the


activity. If significant outcrops of coral are to be affected, have removal plans been

d the dredge channel to ncluding mapping)

rveys was to verify ent to assess the

e any methods of removal (if appropriate) for any noted as 002/2003 coral mapping

n an overlay of the dredge channel and berth basin design over the coral mapping. There

ant” outcrop considered the

re considered to be ngst the top 10% of the larger sizes recorded).

centage of the coral considered to alive (>50% constituted a significant outcrop).

significance attribute as ls manifested as

de of West

ey technique consisted of survey by glass bottom boat (in rough conditions), with transects h two days of diving

ottom boat

so undertaken along utcrops within the

on the parameters ies identified in the

ze (larger

s were 3 to 4 m2 in area and were of a size class more frequently encountered in the wider survey area, typical of the more inshore coral outcrops. Specifically:

one outcrop exceeding 5 m2 in area located on the northern boundary of the dredge channel approximately 2/3 of the way along the dredge channel (250 m from the berth basin) corresponding to coral bommie “5” in the HGM Maunsell coral mapping – Figure 4.1. Referred to as “bommie A”.

one outcrop approximately 4 m2 in area located on the southern boundary of the dredge channel approximately 1/3 of the way along the dredge channel (110 m from the berth basin) corresponding to coral bommie “9” in the HGM Maunsell coral mapping – Figure 4.1. Referred to as “bommie B”.

developed?”


A visual assessment was performed over 3 days within the dredge berth basin anassess the significance of coral outcrops located within these areas. Coral surveys (iwere undertaken in 2002 and 2003 and the primary purpose of the current visual suthe status and integrity of the outcrops noted in the original surveys, with specific intsignificance of these outcrops, and to determinsignificant. It is important to note that observations and comparisons with the 2were based omay be some discrepancies in the accuracy of the overlay.

The assessment as to whether or not an outcrop constituted a “significfollowing factors:

Size of the outcrop (based on the original surveys, those outcrops > than 4 m2 wesignificant from a size perspective, being amo

Per

General diversity of corals within the outcrop. Generally this was a low rated greater than 90% of the massive (boulder) corals were examples of Poritidae corasmall outcrops of blue Porites within a boulder formation.

Representation of these corals elsewhere in the lagoon environment on the eastern siIsland.

The survparallel to the direction of the dredge channel alignment. This was supplemented witalong the dredge channel, individually inspecting the coral outcrops noted during the glass bsurvey.

Additional to the surveys within the dredge channel and berth basin, surveys were althe eastern shoreline to approximate the relative representativeness of the coral owider area.

Five significant outcrops were noted within the dredge channel and berth basin basedused above. Of these, one bommie is significant that it is one of only two bommsurveyed area (including 500m north and south of the Rumah Baru works area) of a large sithan 5 m2 in area). One bommie was in the order of 4 m2 and represented a size class that was regularly, though widely distributed, throughout the survey area. Three bommie


three outcrops in the 3 to 4 m2 range located close to each other on the northern be

boundary of the rth basin near the intersection with the start of the dredge channel (marked as one location with no

ernible numbering on the HGM Maunsell coral mapping Figure 4.1). Referred to as “bommies C,

ral (>70%), predominantly oporidae and Faviidae.

f a size that is s also the

rea.

rn. The level of mie is outside of

the bommie) to e desirable that if this

g that it is on the edge of the channel), oots” intruding into the

t of the bommies appeared ve developed from

siderable depth of

e dredge channel and pproximately 2m,

tire bommie is in rrespondingly

gether.

by crane (either nel. This may

m. Alternatively, given the relatively small size (even though the largest of all the bommies noted), the boulder structure of these Poritidae dominated bommies

ing heavy rope or a hes) with limited to the underlying

coral limestone substrate, and b) the depth of the lower formation of the bommie buried in the sand.

Dragging this bommie is unlikely to be an impact in its own right as this is an outcrop located in a sandy area with no immediately surrounding outcrops. This is typical of all the bommies discussed, with all being separate entities on sandy substrates.

Bommie B

Bommie B is in shallow water, approximately 1.5m depth, and is of a moderate to large size (to 4 m2), with a high proportion of live coral (>90% Poritidae). This bommie was identified as being approximately 10 to 15 m from the edge of the southern dredge channel limit and poses a risk to boating traffic. This is

discD, E”.

Bommie A

Bommie A is the largest of the outcrops noted, with a high proportion of live coPoritidae (greater than 80%), but also including smaller representations from AcrIt was the most coral diverse of the significant bommies. This bommie is in approximately 2m of water, the deepest water of all the significant bommies identified. It is unique in that it is ouncommon along the general foreshore area (only 2 identified in the survey area), and walargest of the bommies mapped by HGM in the 2002/2003 surveys in the immediate a

The exact location of bommie A in relation to the dredge channel was difficult to disceaccuracy in the original survey is unknown, and is highly possible that part of this bomthe dredge channel. Accurate survey (to less than 2m, the approximate diameter of determine the exact location was not possible with a boat mounted GPS. It would bbommie does present an obstacle within the dredge channel (notinthat it be relocated. Few of the bommies observed are likely to have calcareous “rlower limestone base of the coral although this was difficult to ascertain. Mosto have formed based on insitu accretion of coarser substrate material, rather than hathe atoll limestone base, which appears to be deep in the Rumah Baru area with consand over the parent limestone. Options for management of this bommie include:

Leave bommie in place (assuming that the bommie is on the very edge of thdoes not pose a threat to shipping using the channel). The bommie width, arepresents less than 4% of the total dredge channel width (50m), assuming the enthe dredge channel, and may be as little as 1% of the total dredge channel width with colesser amounts of the bommie within the channel.

Adjust final channel line by approximately 2m to the south, this would avoid the bommie alto

If either of the above cannot be accommodated, the bommie may be relocateddragged or lifted and dropped) to an area immediately adjacent the dredge chanrepresent a movement as small as 2 to 3 it is is such that it possible to “drag” these bommies from one position to another usprotected chain (with a protector similar to tree protectors used on 4wd drive wincdamage to the bommie. This is dependent on a) the bommie not being connected


a bommie size regularly (but not commonly) encountered in the wider surrounds. The removal of this ze

d this er of the relocation

arm) or alternatively ing the bommie from its current location to outside the dredge channel limits with a suitably

ie not being part of the bommie

hannel may occur in e bommie was removed d.

ommies is a consequence of all methods of relocation, with small areas often separating s dominated bommies

hus while some mie as a coral

itat.

nction between the berth (1 to 1.5m depth) at

are Poritidae.

in the more inshore bommies pose a risk

s of either removal bommies are located near a small field of

difficult to obtain a aller) coral outcrops outside

a sledgehammer and crow bar) may be the only practical method of removing these, depending on the depth of the depth of the bommie in the sand and whether or not these outcrops are connected to the base limestone. Anecdotal information from the boat owner/operator of the glass bottom boat used indicated that a previous channel to service the existing boat mooring area had been able to be constructed as the bommies were only shallowly “rooted” in the sand and not connected to the deeper atoll substrate.

The size and type of bommies C to E is not unusual in the general foreshore area, and the removal of these bommies would not in itself constitute a significant impact when considered relative to the presence of other similar bommies north and south of the Rumah Baru area.

bommie would not in itself constitute a significant impact on the greater number of this type and siobserved elsewhere along the foreshore area.

Should a decision be made that relocation is a feasible option with the equipment available, anprocess will not damage other corals, then relocation may be achieved be eithmethods identified as for Bommie A, ie; lifting by small crane (or excavator/backhoeby draggprotected rope/chain. Again the success of both options is dependent on the bommconnected to the underlying coral limestone substrate, and/or the depth of the lower in the sand.

It is important to note that more damage to surrounding corals outside the dredge ctrying to relocate the bommie (either by lifting or dragging) than would occur if thinsitu rather than relocated. This is a consideration for all the bommies identifie

Damage to bwith the stresses of the lifting/dragging (the only feasible options). These Poriteare massive “boulder” type structures, not delicate staghorn like coral structures. Tdamage can be expected to any bommies relocated, the overall integrity of the bomstructure is not reduced to a point where the bommie is no longer viable as hab

Bommies C to E

These three bommies are all of a similar size to bommie B, ranging from 3 to 4 m2 in area. All are located within approximately 10m of each other on the northern edge of the jubasin and the dredge channel, and all are located in shallow to very shallow water low tide. All of these bommies have greater than 60% living coral, of which nearly all

These bommies are considered to be typical of the size class regularly encounteredareas of the Rumah Baru and wider survey area. Given the shallow water, all three to vessels using the channel and berth basin. All three need to be considered in termor relocation. Relocation may be problematic, as these bommies adjacent to the basin (on the northern boundary) through which it may beclear passage to drag or lift the bommies without damaging other nearby (smthe dredge channel/berth basin. Piecemeal removal (eg using


2.5 Section 8.7 Com

hyllum will be protected”. The EMP must address the possibility that other native trees have grown in

ast survey and may require the same level of protection as species of

e species in the project area. affected works area to determine:

es composition and integrity;

original surveys in 2002/2003;

g the original surveys;

ning of the existing Rumah Baru access road;

g for the stilling basin;

nd access road to the temporary boat ramp;

cility connecting

nce of the temporary

en the main road ater gallery and the

th) has been heavily rridor has been

Rumah Baru road reserve to accommodate a 110kV underground power cable. The ter galleries is

common and widespread over the island, and typical of disturbed areas. Associated with this disturbed area is the scandent shrub Melanthera biflora and the naturalised taxon Turnera ulmifolia, an understorey/groundcover species. All are an extremely common and conspicuous part of the West Island flora. Approximately 20 isolated coconut trees are located in this northern part of the road reserve, which has few to no land crabs present in this section of road. An isolated individual of Morinda citrifolia (a small native tree) is located near water gallery two, however this is not a significant species, and is also typically very common and widespread in the area.

The southern side of the Rumah Baru road reserve between the main road and the water galleries is predominantly cleared, with Melanthera biflora and the naturalised taxon Turnera ulmifolia being

monwealth information request:

“Section 8.9 of the EMP states that “All stands of Calophyllum inop

size since the lCalophyllum inophyllum.”


The EMP has been amended to include all other significant native treVegetation surveys were undertaken of all the potentially

Changes in native vegetation community speci

Further recruitment of other native species since the

Growth or mortality of species identified durin

Species likely to be affected by the proposed works.

Areas where vegetation is to be removed for the development include:

Wide

Clearin

Clearing of the car park a

Clearing of littoral vegetation at the existing Rumah Baru site for the offshore fabridge.

Clearing of the littoral vegetation to enable construction and operation/maintenaboat ramp.

Existing Rumah Baru access road

The existing Rumah Baru road has two distinctive vegetation verges: the area betweturnoff and the second water gallery (a distance of 300m), and between the second wRumah Baru boat ramp.

Between the main road and the water galleries the entire road reserve (20m in widimpacted by clearing and ongoing disturbance. Near the main road an 8m wide cocleared across thenorthern side of the Rumah Baru road reserve between the main road and the waexclusively dominated by Scaevola taccada a native shrub species extremely


common, and occasional individuals of Scaevola taccada. Coconut seedlings areground.

The Rumah Baru road reserve between the second water gallery and the Rumah Baramp is entirely dominated by coconuts. The coconuts form a closed canopy over the ro

abundant on the

ru existing boat ad, and there is

a very dense ground cover of fallen leaves and coconuts that is densely populated by land crabs. There are isolated examples of Melanthera biflora and Morind of the road. None of these species or individuals is considered to be significant flora.

a citrifolia on the very edge

Rumah Baru access road from second

water gallery towards existing boat ramp.

ct with an area impacted identified rised 100% of the

subcanopy/understorey in ts, and recruiting

20 m to the east of mediately adjacent the stilling basin is

dominated by coconuts, however there are isolated examples of Guettarda speciosa, Terminalia catappa and Argusia argentea interspersed. None of these individuals will be affected by the clearing associated with the stilling basin development. A large stand of Calophyllum inophyllum begins in the littoral community north of the stilling basin and extends almost to the temporary boat ramp and similarly will not be affected by any works within the stilling basin areas.

An existing survey track separates the littoral strand community from the stilling basin works area and clearly defines the extent of clearing to occur within the stilling basin. This buffer will protect any littoral zone species from impacts arising from clearing works in the stilling basin.

Stilling Basin

Vegetation clearing for the stilling basin comprises the largest clearing event for the projeof approximately 2.25 ha to be cleared. Vegetation surveys throughout the area to beonly two species – coconuts (Cocos nucifera) and Morinda citrifolia. Coconuts compcanopy and only 5 individual Morinda citrifolia small trees were identified in thethe stilling basin area. The ground cover is exclusively fallen coconut leaves, coconucoconuts with no other species present.

The stilling basin will not impinge on the littoral strand zone which is approximately the boundary of the stilling basin. The littoral strand zone im


Stilli

survey

ng basin with existing

track separating the

littoral strand (right of photo)

from stilling basin area (left of

photo).

rom the Mahmood farm (accessed from the main road). This area is entirely 100% dominated by coconut plantation, with isolated examples of Morinda citrifolia in the subcanopy. There are no other associated species either in the canopy, subcanopy or understorey/grou

A similar circumstance applies to the car park, which is to be re area of the temporary boat ramp. This car park area is entirely dominated by coconut plantation, with isolated examples of Morinda citrifolia in the subcanopy and no other associated species.

Car Park and Road Access to Temporary Boat Ramp

Access to the temporary boat ramp involves the widening and extension of the existing track f

ndcover.

built behind the foresho

Mahmood farm access,

vegetation dominated by coconuts

with isolated Morinda citrifolia


Foreshore Vegetation at Rumah Baru

Access to the new offshore island at Rumah Baru will require clearing of a small sectvegetation south of the existing boat ramp. This clearing will be immediately south ofCalophyllum inophyllum adjacent the boat ramp. Vegetation to be cleared is dominattwo individuals of Argusia argentea to be

ion of littoral an existing ed by coconuts with

in height and are not nspicuous part of the

ccurrence about the

Rumah Baru. This ent works in

ical integrity of the he viability of the

and clearing is to avoid any contact with the significant Calophyllum inophyllum stands located immediately (approximately 20m) to the south of the boat ramp location, and shrubs/small tr rgentea located to the north of the boat ramp location. No other native vegetation in t of the temporary boat ramp area is present other than a vine of Ipomea macrantha. The access site was considered with respect to avoidance of both Calophyllum inophyllum and Argusia argentea in the littoral zone. The Ipomea similarly is not in an area that would be impacted by foreshore clearing.

removed. Both individuals exceed 4m

e not considered to be significant species.

practical to transplant. Argusia argentea vegetation is a frequently occurring and coforeshore environment of West Island and given the abundance and frequency of oisland ar

An existing Argusia argentea is also present in the middle of the current car park atindividual is also not practical to transplant and will be removed as part of the redevelopmthe car park.

The removal of these individuals will not constitute a significant impact to the ecologforeshore environment of the Rumah Baru area, nor have any discernible impact on tpopulation of this species in the area.

Foreshore Vegetation at Temporary Boat Ramp

The foreshore vegetation at the site of the temporary boat ramp comprises coconuts,

ees of Argusia ahe immediate area

current boat ramp

Significant stands and

individuals of Calophyllum

inophyllum and Argusia

argentea are to be protected.


Summary of Vegetation

The vegetation to be cleared as part of the Rumah Baru development is dominatedplantation coconuts. Coconuts are an aggressive coloniser of sunlight/open areasthickets that preclude the successful recruitment a

Temporary boat ramp access

car park site. Stands of

inophyllum

oximately 20 m to south

leared area (to the right in

the photo) are to be protected,

and Argusia argentea on the

foreshore to the north (left in

photo) to be similarly

protected.

by the removal of , and form dense

nd growth of most other flora species. The general getation that can

rinda citrifolia will d farm

mp site. However land, and the removal of these trees will

species (notably road and the water

vola taccada, an s. This is

d to be able to rapidly uit back into the road reserve area post finalisation of works on the road.

The most significant vegetation in the works area are individuals of the species Calophyllum inophyllum. None of these trees will be removed as part of the development. Native vegetation to be removed (including Argusia argentea, Scaevola taccada and Morinda citrifolia) are representative of common and widely distributed species on West Island, and not regarded as constituting vegetation of conservation significance. Other significant littoral strand species identified in the general Rumah Baru area (asides from Calophyllum inophyllum) include Terminalia catappa, Pemphis acidula, and Guettarda speciosa. The location of these species is outside the development areas and the proposed works will not affect these.

.

and

Calophyllum

appr

of c

exception is Morinda citrifolia, a small tree commonly associated with littoral vesuccessfully compete and grow under lowlight conditions. It is estimated up to 15 Mobe removed along the Rumah Baru road reserve, within the stilling basin area, the Mahmooaccess to the temporary boat ramp, and in the parking area at the temporary boat rathis species is widespread and common over the rest of the isnot disadvantage any fauna or constitute a significant impact.

Other species to be removed comprise a suite of exotic grasses and naturalisedTurnera ulmifolia) in particular along the Rumah Baru road reserve between the maingalleries. Works on the road reserve will necessitate the removal of stands of Scaeopportunistic shrub that typically forms dense margins on the edges of the coconut plantationan extremely common species that favours disturbed areas, and would be expecterecr


Ecological Survey Update 2008, Rumah Baru

Appendix A


Attorney Generals Department

Addendum to Rumah BaruEnvironmental Management Plan

Ecological Survey Update

November 2008

42/01012/03/97254 Rumah Baru Enviromental Management PlanEcological Survey Update

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Project Location and Scope 1

2. Methodologies 3

2.1 Flora Surveys 3

2.2 Terrestrial/Littoral Zone Fauna Surveys 3

2.3 Marine Surveys 6

3. Results and Discussion 7

3.1 Flora Surveys 7

3.2 Terrestrial / Littoral Fauna Surveys 11

3.3 Marine Surveys 18

4. References 23

Table IndexTable 1: Flora Species identified in Proposed Work Areas 7Table 2: Avifauna data Summary 11Table 3: Density of crabs and burrows/quadrat (4m2) in

terrestrial survey areas 13Table 4: Individual counts for crab species in

foreshore/littoral areas 15Table 5: Density of crabs and burrows/quadrat (1m2) in

intertidal survey areas 16Table 6: Turtle Observations 22

Figure IndexFigure 1: Location of Crab Survey Areas 5Figure 2: Location of significant coral outcrops 19


1. Introduction

1.1 BackgroundGHD has been engaged by the Attorney General’s Department to project manage the Rumah BaruFreight and Passenger Facilities development on West Island, in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Territory.

The project was originally approved under the Commonwealth Environment Protection (Impact ofProposals) Act 1974 (EPIP). This Act was repealed in 2000, with further assessments being undertakenby the Commonwealth Department of Environment Water Heritage and Arts (DEWHA) under theprovisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). The EMP ofthe original EPIP application has been exempted from further assessment under the Section 3 of theEPBC.

Original surveys on biological and conservation values for the project area were undertaken in2002/2003, and following a DEWHA response with specific questions on aspects of the EMP, a GHDPrincipal Scientist was engaged to update the original surveys.

These surveys provided information necessary to address queries from DEWHA in relation to theEnvironmental Management Plan.

Field surveys were undertaken of the following:

» Crab species present in the lease/affected areas (with specific reference to habitat identification forFiddler crabs –Uca spp).

» Vegetation type, integrity and significance of any native flora present.

» Visual surveys of coral bommies within the dredge channel and berth basin, and assessment of theirsignificance relative to similar examples of other bommies elsewhere in the main lagoon andpotential removal strategies.

» General environmental values related to construction of the temporary boat ramp, alternative accessand other affected project areas.

» Assessment of turtle activity and impact mitigation strategies.

The following report summarises the findings and results of the field surveys undertaken in support of theEMP.

1.2 Project Location and ScopeThe Rumah Baru project area is located on the northeast side of West Island, part of the Cocos(Keeling) Island Territories. The project entails the following aspects:

» widening of part of the existing Rumah Baru access road;

» a new section of road to deviate from the existing Rumah Baru access road to specifically service thenew landing facility;

» construction of an offshore island barge/ferry landing facility with connecting bridge to Rumah Baru;

» redevelopment of the general Rumah Baru area;

» construction and maintenance of a berth basin and channel to the landing facility;


» temporary public boat ramp approximately 400m north of the existing boat ramp at Rumah Baru andaccompanying car park area; and

» a new access road to the temporary boat ramp along the alignment of the original access track fromMahmood Farm road.

Surveys were undertaken throughout all the above development areas, and through the entire lease areain general.


2. Methodologies

2.1 Flora SurveysFlora surveys were based on the systematic sampling of vegetation using line intersect transects throughthe development areas with all vegetation recorded 10m on either side of the transect. Transects wereestablished and information recorded in accordance with standard vegetation sampling protocols suitablefor linear/homogenous community types (eg: Walker and Hopkins 1990).

Within the stilling basin, and the temporary car park near the temporary boat ramp site, 100m longtransects were run perpendicular to the boundary closest the foreshore (on the eastern side). Along thetransect information was recorded on species, relative abundance, life form and position in the strata.Information was also collected on whether the vegetation was native, naturalised, or exotic.

Relative abundance was scored using the standard DAFOR format where:

D = dominant (> 75% of the observations)

A = abundant (> 45% to 75% of the observations)

F = Frequent (>15% to 45% of the observations)

O = Occasional (5 to 15% of the observations)

R = Rare (less than 5% of the observations)

Vegetation along the road reserves (existing Rumah Baru Road, Mahmood Farm access track to the carpark for the temporary boat ramp) was also recorded using line intersect transects, however thesetransects were variable in length and included the full length and width of the road reserves. Littoralvegetation (also a linear feature) were similarly recorded, again using transects within the developmentarea with the entire width of the littoral zone being surveyed.

In order to assess the relative representation of the vegetation recorded in the lease area against thegeneral West Island flora, other transects were also established on West Island in other areas ofvegetation representative of the vegetation found at Rumah Baru. These comparative vegetationtransects were established for coconut plantation areas, littoral areas, and along disturbed road sideverges (similar to the existing Rumah Baru access road).

2.2 Terrestrial/Littoral Zone Fauna Surveys

2.2.1 Avifauna

Avifauna surveys were undertaken in all of the development sites within the lease areas. Surveyscomprised comprise a 20 minute census of each site, which is the standard methodology used by BirdsAustralia for the Bird Atlas project. Six censuses, comprising a total of 120 min, were undertaken atRumah Baru, within the stilling basin/temporary car park areas, foreshore littoral zone and the RumahBaru access road. Surveys were undertaken within fours hours of dawn and four hours of dusk, asthese were deemed the times when bird activity is at its greatest. Records were also kept for allopportunistic observations.


2.2.2 Decapod Crustaceans

Crabs are a conspicuous feature of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and in the project area three keyhabitats are present, each with a distinct faunal assemblage.

These include:

» Terrestrial areas (dominated by coconut plantations)

» Foreshore/littoral areas;

» Internal lagoon, areas of silt/clay/sands intermittently tidally affected.

The vegetation transects used for the terrestrial vegetation also formed the basis for assessment of crabspecies within the dominant coconut palm areas, and along the road reserves. Along these transectseither crabs or active burrows (defined as burrows down which it was observed that crabs descendedinto) were counted at 10 m intervals within a 4m2 quadrat. This was particularly useful in areas of highdensity land crab occupation (dominated by the Purple land crab Cardisoma carnifex). Transects wereestablished in the lease area in the stilling basin, Rumah Baru general locality, temporary car park area,and along the road reserve. In most cases these transects utilised the vegetation transects howeversome additional transects were established solely for assessment of land crab abundance. In addition tothe lease area, land crab abundance was also recorded for comparative areas elsewhere on WestIsland. This included an area north of Mahmood Farm, off the Sydney Highway, and also includedcoconut plantation areas in the south of West Island, adjacent Scouts Park.

Along foreshore/littoral areas, notes were taken of the general abundance of burrows in the sand, andphysical counts of the number of crabs observed along the foreshore transects. No quadrats wereestablished owing to the comparative low density of crabs present (being primarily Ghost crabs andHermit crabs in these areas). Surveys were also undertaken along the beach at night using a spotlight.Three foreshore/littoral transects were surveyed – these being the area between Rumah Baru and thetemporary boat ramp, an area of foreshore south of the existing jetty, and an area on the southern side ofWest Island near Scouts Park (see Figure over). Three replicate surveys were undertaken for each area,two being during the day and one in the evening.

Crabs of various species were observed to be highly active in the internal lagoon adjacent to RumahBaru. Transects of up to 100m in length were established perpendicular to the shore of the internallagoon, and included areas both within and outside the lease area. In order to assess the relativesignificance of the populations against other populations on West Island, transects were also set up nearthe refuse recycling area off the Sydney Highway, and within an area on the southern side of WestIsland. See the figure over for locations of the crab survey areas.

Along the transects a quadrat comprising 4 x 1m2 plots were established every 10m. Within each 4 x1m2 plot all observed crabs were recorded, with notes on species where these were able to be positivelyidentified. Active crab burrows (burrows into which it was observed crabs retreated into) were alsoincluded in the count. In general the two Fiddler crab species were just classified as “Uca sp” asdetermination of the species of each individual could be problematic given their small size, andtimidness. The other two species noted are distinctive and occurred in low numbers and are included asseparate species observations.


Figure 1: Location of Crab Survey Areas


2.3 Marine Surveys

2.3.1 Visual Coral Assessment

A visual assessment was performed over 3 days within the dredge berth basin and the dredge channel toassess the significance of coral outcrops located within these areas. Coral surveys (including mapping)were undertaken in 2002 and 2003 and the primary purpose of the current visual surveys was to verifythe status and integrity of the outcrops noted in the original surveys, with specific intent to assess thesignificance of these outcrops, and to determine any methods of removal (if appropriate) for any noted assignificant. It is important to note that observations and comparisons with the 2002/2003 coral mappingwere based on an overlay of the dredge channel and berth basin design over the coral mapping. Theremay be some discrepancies in the accuracy of the overlay.

The assessment as to whether or not an outcrop constituted a “significant” outcrop considered thefollowing factors:

» Size of the outcrop (based on the original surveys, those outcrops > than 4 m2 were considered to besignificant from a size perspective, being amongst the top 10% of the larger sizes recorded).

» Percentage of the coral considered to alive (>50% constituted a significant outcrop).

» General diversity of corals within the outcrop. Generally this was a low rated significance attribute asgreater than 90% of the massive (boulder) corals were examples of Poritidae corals manifested assmall outcrops of blue Porites within a boulder formation.

» Representation of these corals elsewhere in the lagoon environment on the eastern side of WestIsland.

The survey technique consisted of survey by glass bottom boat (in rough conditions), with transectsparallel to the direction of the dredge channel alignment. This was supplemented with two days of divingalong the dredge channel, individually inspecting the coral outcrops noted during the glass bottom boatsurvey.

Additional to the surveys within the dredge channel and berth basin, surveys were also undertaken alongthe eastern shoreline to approximate the relative representativeness of the coral outcrops within thewider area.

2.3.2 Turtle Surveys

Observations of turtle occurrences were based on opportunistic observations during the day whilstundertaking other surveys in the area, particularly during the visual assessment of the corals.

Local residents using the existing Rumah Baru boat ramp indicated that turtles are particularly active inthe early mornings, and subsequently it was decided to undertake spotlighting observations of turtleactivity in the dredge channel area, and in the berth basin during early hours of the morning. Over threenights two two hour events were undertaken, one event early in the evening (between approximately6.30 pm to 8.30 pm), and the other event between approximately 2.30 am and 4.30 am. Most turtlesightings were in close proximity to the shore amongst the shallow seagrass beds, and it was relativelyeasy to identify both individual turtles (size, distinctive scars, scutes, marks on shell) and species. Asmall boat was used to access the areas furtherest from the shore in the dredge channel. Forcomparative purposes one night was also spent observing turtle activity at a location approximately 1kmsouth of Rumah Baru


3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Flora Surveys

3.1.1 Data Summary

The summary of the flora surveys (by site) is presented below. Standard DAFOR scale used were:

D = dominant, A = abundant, F = Frequent, O = occasional, R = rare

Table 1: Flora Species identified in Proposed Work Areas

Species Native /Introduced

Can

opy

Subc

anop

y

Und

erst

orey

Gro

undc

over

Sapl

ings

Vine

s

Epip

hyte

s

Seed

lings

Comments

Stilling Basin

Cocos nucifera native D D D D D Comprises greater than 98% ofcanopy. Despite being a nativespecies has been extensivelycultivated in plantations.

Morinda citrifolia native R Only other species in stillingbasin. Widespread and commonon West Island.

Temporary Boat Ramp Car Park and Mahmood Farm Access Track

Cocos nucifera native D D D D D Comprises greater than 98% ofcanopy. Despite being a nativespecies has been extensivelycultivated in plantations.

Morinda citrifolia native R Only other species along accesstrack and in car park area.Widespread and common onWest Island.

Rumah Baru Road Reserve

Section 1 – Sydney Highway to water galleries General observations – highlydisturbed, high proportionintroduced species. Roadreserve previously cleared

Scaevola taccada native D D D Low dense canopy 5 to 7m.Widespread and common onWest Island.

Melanthera biflora native F R Typically small woody shrub/herbassociated with roadsidedisturbance on West Island

Dodonaea viscosa native R Small shrub – commonthroughout West Island onmargins of plantations. Oneindividual is outside thedevelopment area as marked.

Turnera ulmifolia introduced F Widespread and common in



Can

opy

Subc

anop

y

Und

erst

orey

Gro

undc

over

Sapl

ings

Vine

s

Epip

hyte

s

Seed

lings

Comments

disturbed areas and on marginsof plantations/roads throughoutWest Island

Euphorbia cyathophora introduced F Common introduced weed onroad verges

Cenchrus ciliaris introduced O Grass common in open areas,road verges throughout island.

Bothriochloa bladhii introduced R Grass common in open areas,road verges throughout island.

Cenchrus echinatus introduced R Grass common in open areas,road verges throughout island.

Cynodon dactylon introduced O Grass common in open areas,road verges throughout island.

Eleusine indica introduced F Grass common in open areas,road verges throughout island.

Chloris barbata introduced O Grass common in open areas,road verges throughout island.

Cassytha filiformis native R One vine noted near watergallery, outside of proposed roadreserve clearing.

Cocos nucifera native R O F Most coconuts were cleared fororiginal road and widening,however some are recruitingback into road reserve.

Morinda citrifolia native R One individual near the watergalleries may be cleared.

Section 2 – Water Galleries to Rumah Baru, including new alignment General observations –dominated by coconuts, landcrabs most common about edgesof road reserve, less common indense coconuts.

Cocos nucifera native D D D D D Comprise >99% of vegetation

Morinda citrifolia native R Isolated individuals on side ofexisting road, but may be outsideof clearing area. None in newalignment. Widespread andcommon on West Island

Melanthera biflora native R Isolated individuals on edge ofexisting road.

Euphorbia cyathophora introduced R Introduced weed on edge ofexisting road.



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Comments

Littoral Zone

Section 1 – Rumah Baru area Vegetation clearing extremelyrestricted, primarily only includingthe bridge area, and within/aboutthe existing car park. A numberof species identified below are inthe general area, but are notintended to be cleared.

Calophyllum inophyllum native R Largest and most significant floraspecies on West Island. Noindividuals of this species are tobe cleared.

Guettarda speciosa native R Species will not be affected byclearing (north of existing boatramp). Significant littoral specieson West Island

Ipomea macrantha native R Species will not be affected byclearing (draped aroundCalophyllum).

Terminalia catappa native R One individual on north side ofexisting boat ramp will not bedisturbed by proposed works.

Cocos nucifera native D F F F Common. Most vegetation to becleared comprises coconuts.

Argusia argentea native O Three individuals of this commonforeshore species are within thedevelopment area of the lease atthis site.

Section 2 – Temporary Boat Ramp General note – there is anexisting gap in the strandcommunity at this point.

Cocos nucifera native D D D D Dominant littoral vegetation

Argusia argentea native O Significant stand of thisvegetation north of the proposedboat ramp site will not be affectedby further clearing for access.

Calophyllum inophyllum native R One individual of this speciesimmediately adjacent temporaryboat ramp. A very significant (ie:not common on West Island,important to fauna) stand of thisvegetation stretchesapproximately 150m south of theboat ramp, but will not beimpacted by works.

Ipomea macrantha native R One vine on existingCalophyllum. This vine iscommon on West Island in strandvegetation.


3.1.2 Significance of Vegetation

The dominant feature of the vegetation of the Rumah Baru area is the almost exclusive (>98%) coverageof the project works area by coconuts. Whilst coconuts are considered to be native (Telford 1993), thehistorical clearing of the majority of the vegetation of West Island and subsequent replacement withcoconut plantations has resulted in localised extinctions of previously occurring native species still foundon other parts of the Coco (Keeling) Islands atolls. The coconut plantations suppress recruitment bymost other native species, with the only successful recruitment areas being in light gaps, or on fringes ofthe plantations (eg; road reserves and the foreshore). This was a pattern repeated and observedthroughout West Island. The interior of the coconut plantations is almost 100% coconuts, with isolatedindividuals of Morinda citrifolia (a species of the Rubiaceae family), which have successfully competedwith juvenile coconuts in light gaps for establishment. M. citrifolia is very widespread throughout theisland, often forming thickets on the edge of plantations codominant with Scaevola taccada in areaswhere coconut canopy cover has been thinned or removed. It is not considered a significant species inregard to its general abundance and distribution.

On the landward fringes of the plantations (along the edges of the roads), where coconut canopy coverhas been removed, the ubiquitous and widely common Scaevola taccada has successfully established,creating dense hedges along the edge of these cleared areas. S. taccada is widespread, and abundantthroughout all of West Island, and is the dominant species on the edge of the plantations observed fromthe Sydney Highway and other major roads/tracks on the island. Whilst a native species, it is notconsidered to be a significant species owing to this widespread and abundant distribution.

The littoral vegetation between Rumah Baru and the temporary boat ramp have stands of vegetationconsidered to be extremely significant on West Island in terms of the representation by the speciespresent, and the contribution of these species to other ecological processes. The most conspicuouselement of this littoral vegetation is the islands largest species, Calophyllum inophyllum. These are slowgrowing species, attaining heights of 25m (or more for some larger individuals on the islands), andprovide roosting and nesting resources. The stand between Rumah Baru and the temporary boat rampis utilised by the White Tern for breeding, with evidence of old nests being identified. It is not proposedthat any of this stand be removed for the project.

Other foreshore tree species represented include Argusia argentea, Guettarda speciosa and Terminaliacatappa. A. argentea is common in the local area, and is also widespread and abundant generally in thelittoral area throughout West Island and is not considered to be significant in this regard. Of the otherspecies only one individual of each was noted in the littoral areas, neither of which were in any areasproposed to be developed. The general species diversity of the littoral zone on the windward side ofWest Island in the Rumah Baru area is generally low by comparison with the leeward side of the island.This is primarily as a result of a) more sheltered conditions allowing better dispersal and recruitment byother native species, and more particularly b) relative lack of dominance by coconuts on the leeward sideof the island, allowing favourable conditions for a variety of other species that are not found on thewindward side near Rumah Baru.


3.2 Terrestrial / Littoral Fauna Surveys

3.2.1 Avifauna

Data Summary

Avifauna recorded in the projects areas was sparse. A number of birds were observed flying overhead,and where these were identified they were included in the records. The following table lists the speciesobserved, location and general comments.

Table 2: Avifauna data Summary

Species Common Name Location General Comment

Gygis alba White Tern Between Rumah Baru andtemporary boat ramp.

Overfly only. Old nestlocated in Calophyllum standand local residents confirmbirds nest irregularly in thisarea.

Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird Foreshore between RumahBaru and temporary boatramp.

Two records. Observed toroost temporarily in highestCalophyllum beforelaunching again.

Egretta sacra Reef Egret Shallow water, foreshorebetween Rumah Baru andtemporary boat ramp.

Resident bird observedalmost every day fishing inthe same area south of thetemporary boat ramp.

Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron Rumah Baru road reserve One bird observed at watergallery.

Amaurornis phoenicurus Whitebreasted Waterhen Rail Rumah Baru road reserve Several individuals sighted inwater gallery areas adjacentroad.

Gallus varius Green Jungle Fowl Rumah Baru road reserve Common along road edge,regularly observed ingrassland on road verge inopen areas.

Summary of Significance

The dense vegetation along the edge of the existing Rumah Baru road provides shelter for three species(Nankeen Night Heron, Green Jungle Fowl, Whitebreasted Waterhen Rail) that all use the open areas ofthe road reserve for foraging. All three are highly mobile species, and would rapidly relocate during anydisturbance of the road reserve. None are reliant on the resources provided by the road reservevegetation (Scaevola taccada dominated) as this vegetation is widespread and extremely common in thelocal area and West Island in general.

The Reef Egret observed appears to the resident in the local area, as it was sighted on almost every dayfeeding in the shallow water on low tide south of the proposed temporary boat ramp site. It was notparticularly timid, and was observed to continue fishing even when other people and boats wereoperating close inshore to the bird. As the works area is limited in terms of impacts on the foreshorearea, it is most likely that this bird would only temporarily relocate adjacent during busiest constructionperiods and resume foraging at the cessation of activity.


The Calophyllum inophyllum stand between Rumah Baru and the temporary boat ramp is of significanceto bird fauna. White terns are known to nest in this stand and local West Island residents have confirmedthis evidence of previous nesting was also identified during this field survey. However residents alsonoted that nesting was irregular, with the White tern also using Calophyllum stands on the western sideof the island (leeward), particular in the Trannies Beach area. The Rumah Baru area is exposed to thedominant southeast trade winds, and is highly likely that nesting may only occur during the doldrumsperiod when risk of the nest and nestlings being blown down is at a minimum. During the fieldobservations it was noted that two Lesser Frigatebirds would occasionally roost on the highest part ofthe Calophyllums. These birds have a poor capacity to take off on flat land, and need high perches toenable successful takeoffs. The Calophyllum (some in excess of 25m high) provide essential percheshigh off the ground necessary for these birds to launch.

3.2.2 Decapod Crustaceans

Decapod crustaceans, primarily crabs, are a conspicuous and obvious feature of the project area. Threemain habitats for crabs were identified within the lease area. These include:

» Terrestrial areas, dominated by coconut plantations;

» Foreshore and littoral areas beach and foreshore;

» Internal lagoon areas – treeless flats comprising various marine silts/sand/clays.

All three areas characterised by unique habitat conditions that have favoured different suites of crabs tooccupy these areas.

Terrestrial Areas

The terrestrial areas of the lease are dominated by extensive coconut plantations. There is a very denseground cover of fallen leaves and coconuts, with very little ground surface exposed. This habitat istypical of the majority of the lease area within which it is proposed to undertake works. A summary of thefindings by search area, species and relative density and notes on abundance is presented in thefollowing table.

Statistically there is no difference in the relative density of crabs between transects within the same area.There is an apparent increase in land crab density about the edges of roads, tracks and clearings bycomparison with quadrats within the interior of dense coconut areas.

There are no differences in the relative density of land crabs between the Rumah Baru developmentareas and the comparative survey areas north of Mahmood Farm and to the south near Scouts Park.


Table 3: Density of crabs and burrows/quadrat (4m2) in terrestrial survey areas

Existing Rumah BaruAccess Road*

Development Areas Comparative Survey Areas

Species SydneyHighwayto watergalleries

Watergalleriesto RumahBaru

Rumah BaruArea

Stilling Basin TemporaryCar Park &boat ramp

AccessTrack*

North ofMahmood

Farm

AdjacentScouts Park

Quadrat

No

Transect Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3

1 Cardisoma carnifex 2 1 5 4 5 5 6 7 4 4 4 3 5 1 3 5 2

Coenobita perlatus 6 3 1 1

Coenobita rugosa 2 1

2 Cardisoma carnifex 1 2 7 4 5 6 3 5 5 2 2 3 1 2 2 3 4 1 3


4 Cardisoma carnifex 2 6 2 2 3 5 3 2 4 5 2 2 3 2 2 4 2 2 5 3

5 Cardisoma carnifex 3 2 5 1 2 2 3 5 1 4 1 1 4 5 1 3 3 2

6 Cardisoma carnifex 4 1 2 3 7 3 4 5 2 3 6 3 2 1 4 2 4

7 Cardisoma carnifex 2 6 3 5 5 1 4 4 7 5 4 5 2 2 3 5 3 1



10 Cardisoma carnifex 5 4 4 1 2 2 1 3 1 2 3 6 4 4 1 3 6 3 3 4

Coenobita perlatus 1

11 Cardisoma carnifex 9 2 2


13 Cardisoma carnifex 4 5 3 2


Existing Rumah BaruAccess Road*

Development Areas Comparative Survey Areas

Species SydneyHighwayto watergalleries

Watergalleriesto RumahBaru

Rumah BaruArea

Stilling Basin TemporaryCar Park &boat ramp

AccessTrack*

North ofMahmood

Farm

AdjacentScouts Park

Quadrat

No

Transect Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3





18 Cardisoma carnifex 1 8 4 3 4

19 Cardisoma carnifex 1 2 5 2 3


* = Comprises two parallel transects either side of the road longer than 100m with up to 20 quadrats over 200m.

Active burrows (ones into which crabs were observed retreating into) were counted as an actual observation.

Foreshore and Littoral Areas

The surveys for these areas comprised transects along the beach/foreshore areas, with observations only on crab species and generalabundance. No quadrats were established as crab burrows are widely distributed.

The following table lists the results of the foreshore/littoral surveys.


Table 4: Individual counts for crab species in foreshore/littoral areas

Numbers of Individuals

Rumah Baru toTemporary Boat Ramp

South Existing Jetty Near Scouts Park

Transect replicate number Transect replicate number Transect replicate number

Species

1* 2 3 1* 2 3 1* 2 3

Notes

Cardisoma carnifex (Herbst, 1794) 5 2 4 3 2 1 1 At interface with beach

Coenobita perlatus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 18 9 10 22 15 28 47 39 51 Active by day and night

Coenobita rugosa H. Milne Edwards, 1837 3 1 2 1 5 1 Most frequently observed at night

Ocypode ceratophthalma (Pallas, 1772) 19 8 4 28 5 6 17 9 6 Extremely active during the early evening.

Ocypode cordimana Desmarest, 1825 6 1 7 2 1 8 2 2 Active in the evenings

Geograpsus crinipes (Dana,1 1851) 1 One individual only

* Denotes that surveys were undertaken at night along this replicate.

Crab counts along the foreshore and littoral areas are dominated by the Red Hermit crab (Coenobita perlatus) and the HorneyedGhost Crab (Ocypode ceratophthalma). In all instances crabs were most active during the evenings – hence the high number ofobservations for these species (and most other species) for these replicate transects. The Purple land crabs were only observed atthe top of the beach, at the interface with the vegetated areas (but crabs will return to the water to breed). Both Red Hermit crab wasmost abundant in the area near Scouts Park.


Internal Lagoon/Intertidal Areas

Four areas were surveyed in this habitat type and included:

» section of the internal lagoon within the lease area (3 transects);

» section of internal lagoon adjacent to the lease area (4 transects),

» internal lagoon near waste transfer station (2 transects);

» intertidal area southern section West Island (2 transects).

Owing to their small size (<1.5cm across) and timidity, fiddler crab species were unable to be rapidlyverified in the field for each quadrat so are identified only as Uca sp. With patience it was determinedthat two Uca species are present:

» Uca signata;

» Uca chlorophthalmus

Other crab species were rapidly identified, being larger, less timid and subsequently easier to observeand are listed by species.

Owing to the apparent high densities of burrows (and crabs present) the 4 m2 quadrats were reduced to4 x 1 m2 with only one of the smaller quadrats being randomly chosen to survey.

The data results for the surveys are shown in the table below.

Table 5: Density of crabs and burrows/quadrat (1m2) in intertidal survey areas

Comparative Survey Sites

Internal Lagoonin Lease Area

Internal LagoonAdjacent Lease Area

InternalLagoon –nearwastetransfersite

Intertidalarea southWestIsland

Transect Number

QuadratNo

Species

1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2

1 Uca spp 4 7 8 9 5 6 7 6 7 8 5

Cardisoma carnifex 3 2 2 3 1 2 1 1

Macrophthalmus verreauxii 2 2 3 1 2 2 2

2 Uca spp 5 9 8 8 11 9 5 12 8 6 7

Uca sp indet 1 1

Cardisoma carnifex 1 2 1

Macrophthalmus verreauxii 2 3 3 3 2 1 1

Sesarma sp indet 1

3 Uca spp 18 15 14 12 15 9 11 11 16 12 18

Cardisoma carnifex 1 1

Macrophthalmus verreauxii 1 2 2


Comparative Survey Sites

Internal Lagoonin Lease Area

Internal LagoonAdjacent Lease Area

InternalLagoon –nearwastetransfersite

Intertidalarea southWestIsland

Transect Number

QuadratNo

Species

1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2

4 Uca sp 16 18 21 18 20 11 6 22 14 12 15

5 Uca sp 19 23 34 22 31 18 16 31 27 19 25

6 Uca sp 23 19 28 45 21 18 23 19 24 31 47

7 Uca sp 15 25 31 29 20 31 19 15 19 15 22

Macrophthalmus verreauxii 1

8 Uca sp 21 22 28 19 24 12 10 22 3 9 25

Sesarma sp indet 1

9 Uca sp 18 11 22 10 9 29 16 18 27 17 21

Grapsus intermedius 1

10 Uca sp 31 24 19 18 21 21 24 22 33 19 31

Cardisoma carnifex 2

A distinctive feature of the substrate was that on the edges of the lagoon (approximately quadrats 1 to 3for the majority of the transects), substrates were generally sandier and less frequently tidally inundatedthan quadrats further from the landward edge. With increasing distance from the landward edge thesubstrate included higher percentages of silt and clay. Crab abundance increases with distance from thelagoon edge and is correlated to substrate type. The majority of the land crabs identified are juvenileland crabs (Cardisoma carnifex), which were most often encountered on the edges of the lagoon. Twospecies of crabs (one Uca and one Sesarmid) were not able to be identified, but were extremelydistinctive species. Neither was in the lease area and the Uca may have been a colour morph of one ofthe other two species identified as these two species are the only known to date from the Cocos(Keeling) Islands (according to existing literature).


Four species of crabs were identified, all of which were abundant, with the densities of the overall crabpopulation varying depending on substrate type, regularity of tidal inundation and with distance from theinterface of the internal lagoon with the edge of the internal lagoon.

The four species identified included:

» Macrophthalmus verreauxii (Sentinel crab) most common in areas closest to the edge of theinternal lagoon.

» Cardisoma carnifex (Purple land crab) occasional adult crab burrows on the edge of the lagoon,however the majority of the crabs observed were juveniles of this species, suggesting the importance


of the lagoon as critical nursery area for this species. Juveniles were most common in shaded areason the fringes of the internal lagoon.

» Uca signata (a Fiddler crab) – abundant and dominant in most areas over the entire internal lagoon.

» Uca chlorophthalmus (a Fiddler crab) – codominant with the above species throughout the internallagoon.

Fiddler crabs of both species were abundant and very common along all transects (which were up to100m long and perpendicular to the internal lagoon edge). On average fiddler crab burrows (and actualcrabs) for both species varied from a density of 5 to 7 per square metre on the sandier perimeters of theinternal lagoon and up to 20 to 30 per square metre on sections of the transect on higher proportionsilt/clays.

This pattern was repeated for comparative survey areas elsewhere in the lagoon internal and intertidalareas. The only exception was that Land crab abundance was related to the type of vegetation on theperiphery of the lagoon, with a definite preference for areas where coconuts were the dominantvegetation. Land crab abundance was thus lower at the two comparative sites further south as both ofthese abutted open areas with no immediate coconut cover over the edge of the lagoon/intertidal areas.

The nearest population of Fiddler crabs (both Uca signata and U. chlorophthalmus) is located within theinternal lagoon south of the Rumah Baru access road, approximately 110m from the stilling basin area.A portion of the lease area extending south of the existing Rumah Baru access road incorporates a smallsection of the internal lagoon identified in the surveys as important to fiddler crabs. The demarcationbetween fiddler crab habitat areas and the start of the coconut plantation within the lease area isextremely definitive, defined by the substrate composition. Fiddler crabs do not inhabit the calcareoussand soils beneath the coconuts and are entirely restricted to the open areas of the internal lagoon.

The internal lagoon supports a large population of juvenile land crabs (which were not observed innumbers in the terrestrial survey sites) and it is highly likely that the internal lagoon provides a criticalpart in the life cycle of this (and other) crab species in the area.

3.3 Marine Surveys

3.3.1 Visual Coral Assessment

Five significant coral outcrops were noted within the dredge channel and berth basin based on theparameters used (refer Methodology for definition of “significant”). Of these, one bommie is significantthat it is one of only two bommies identified in the surveyed area (including 500m north and south of theRumah Baru works area) of a large size (larger than 5 m2 in area). One bommie was in the order of 4 m2

and represented a size class that was regularly, though widely distributed, throughout the survey area.Three bommies were 3 to 4 m2 in area and were of a size class more frequently encountered in the widersurvey area, typical of the more inshore coral outcrops. Specifically:

» one outcrop exceeding 5 m2 in area located on the northern boundary of the dredge channelapproximately 2/3 of the way along the dredge channel (250 m from the berth basin) correspondingto coral bommie “5” in the HGM Maunsell coral mapping – Figure 4.1. Referred to as “bommie A”.

» one outcrop approximately 4 m2 in area located on the southern boundary of the dredge channelapproximately 1/3 of the way along the dredge channel (110 m from the berth basin) correspondingto coral bommie “9” in the HGM Maunsell coral mapping – Figure 4.1. Referred to as “bommie B”.


» three outcrops in the 3 to 4 m2 range located close to each other on the northern boundary of theberth basin near the intersection with the start of the dredge channel (marked as one location with nodiscernible numbering on the HGM Maunsell coral mapping Figure 4.1). Referred to as “bommies C,D, E”.

Figure 2: Location of significant coral outcrops



Bommie A

Bommie A is the largest of the outcrops noted, with a high proportion of live coral (>70%), predominantlyPoritidae (greater than 80%), but also including smaller representations from Acroporidae and Faviidae.It was the most coral diverse of the significant bommies. This bommie is in approximately 2m of water,the deepest water of all the significant bommies identified. It is unique in that it is of a size that isuncommon along the general foreshore area (only 2 identified in the survey area), and was also thelargest of the bommies mapped by HGM in the 2002/2003 surveys in the immediate area.

The exact location of bommie A in relation to the dredge channel was difficult to discern. The level ofaccuracy in the original survey is unknown, and is highly possible that part of this bommie is outside ofthe dredge channel. Accurate survey (to less than 2m, the approximate diameter of the bommie) todetermine the exact location was not possible with a boat mounted GPS. It would be desirable that if thisbommie does present an obstacle within the dredge channel (noting that it is on the edge of the channel),that it be relocated. Few of the bommies observed are likely to have calcareous “roots” intruding into thelower limestone base of the coral although this was difficult to ascertain. Most of the bommies appearedto have formed based on insitu accretion of coarser substrate material, rather than have developed fromthe atoll limestone base, which appears to be deep in the Rumah Baru area with considerable depth ofsand over the parent limestone. Options for management of this bommie are detailed in the EMPResponse.

Bommie B

Bommie B is in shallow water, approximately 1.5m depth, and is of a moderate to large size (to 4 m2),with a high proportion of live coral (>90% Poritidae). This bommie was identified as being approximately10 to 15 m from the edge of the southern dredge channel limit and poses a risk to boating traffic. This isa bommie size regularly (but not commonly) encountered in the wider surrounds. The removal of thisbommie would not in itself constitute a significant impact on the greater number of this type and sizeobserved elsewhere along the foreshore area.

It is important to note that more damage to surrounding corals outside the dredge channel may occur intrying to relocate the bommie (either by lifting or dragging) than would occur if the bommie was removedinsitu rather than relocated. This is a consideration for all the bommies identified.

Damage to bommies is a consequence of all methods of relocation, with small areas often separatingwith the stresses of the lifting/dragging (the only feasible options). These Porites dominated bommiesare massive “boulder” type structures, not delicate staghorn like coral structures. Thus while somedamage can be expected to any bommies relocated, the overall integrity of the bommie as a coralstructure is not reduced to a point where the bommie is no longer viable as habitat.

Bommies C to E

These three bommies are all of a similar size to bommie B, ranging from 3 to 4 m2 in area. All arelocated within approximately 10m of each other on the northern edge of the junction between the berthbasin and the dredge channel, and all are located in shallow to very shallow water (1 to 1.5m depth) atlow tide. All of these bommies have greater than 60% living coral, of which nearly all are Poritidae.

These bommies are considered to be typical of the size class regularly encountered in the more inshoreareas of the Rumah Baru and wider survey area. Given the shallow water, all three bommies pose a riskto vessels using the channel and berth basin. All three need to be considered in terms of either removal


or relocation. Relocation may be problematic, as these bommies are located near a small field ofbommies adjacent to the basin (on the northern boundary) through which it may be difficult to obtain aclear passage to drag or lift the bommies without damaging other nearby (smaller) coral outcrops outsidethe dredge channel/berth basin. Piecemeal removal (eg using a sledgehammer and crow bar) may bethe only practical method of removing these, depending on the depth of the depth of the bommie in thesand and whether or not these outcrops are connected to the base limestone. Anecdotal informationfrom the boat owner/operator of the glass bottom boat used indicated that a previous channel to servicethe existing boat mooring area had been able to be constructed as the bommies were only shallowly“rooted” in the sand and not connected to the deeper atoll substrate.

The size and type of bommies C to E is not unusual in the general foreshore area, and the removal ofthese bommies would not in itself constitute a significant impact when considered relative to thepresence of other similar bommies north and south of the Rumah Baru area.

3.3.2 Turtle Surveys

Records were kept of all turtles observed during the course of other surveys, and during three earlymornings of observations.

One dive was conducted in deeper water approximately 120m from the end of the dredge channel in10m of water.

A summary of observations is presented over: It is important to note that some of these observationsmay have been of the same individual, however there were multiple observations at the same time. Thefrequency of observations does indicate the relative amount of turtle activity in the area. No nests wereobserved on any of the beach areas, and anecdotal information from locals indicates that the beach onthe eastern side of West Island in the Rumah Baru area is not known to have ever been used for nesting.

In the Rumah Baru area (berth basin, dredge channel and immediately adjacent areas, there were 28observations of Green turtles, all of these (except one) being during the early hours of the morning. Offshore from the temporary boat ramp there were 24 observations of Green turtles, all in the early morning,and north and south of the development area (between Rumah Baru and the temporary boat ramp, therewere 26 and 29 observations respectively, all of Green turtles, and all in the early morning.

Overall there were only two observations of Hawksbill turtles, both in the daytime.

Adult Green turtles are primarily herbivorous, and were noted as being exceptionally active in feeding inthe shallow water seagrass meadows during the evening – predominantly very early in the morning(between 2 to 5 am in particular). This pattern was repeated over all the nighttime surveys, and was apattern observed repeatedly down the east side of the island. Turtle activity during the day wasextremely limited, with occasional surfacing of turtles in deeper water (to 10 m depth) approximately 120m from the edge of the dredge channel limits. No turtles were observed as being active within theshallow waters of the Rumah Baru area during day, excepting for one Hawksbill turtle at the outer sectionof the dredge channel. Hawksbill turtles are carnivorous, and are not dependent on the seagrass beds ofthe Rumah Baru area. Their primary habitat is the fringing coral reef systems of the atoll, and would onlyrarely venture into shallower water.


Table 6: Turtle Observations

Rumah Baru Temporary Boat Ramp South of Rumah Baru North of Temporary BoatRamp

SpeciesNight

1Night

2Night

3Daytime Night

1Night

2Night

3Daytime Night

1Night

2Night

3Daytime Night

1Night

2Night

3Daytime Offshore

waters

Chelonia mydas – Green Turtle 6 9 12 1 4 9 11 6 17 3 8 12 9 12

Eretmochelys imbricata – HawksbillTurtle

1 1

Significance of Turtle Observations

Green turtles are the species most represented in the waters of the project area. This species comes in from deeper atoll lagoonwaters in the evenings to feed on seagrasses in the shallow waters offshore from the beach, often venturing to within 10 metres ofthe shore. Their activity is most marked in the early hours of the morning – during periods when it is extremely unlikely that any boattraffic would be occurring in the Rumah Baru area.

The pattern of activity was repeated in other areas outside of the Rumah Baru project area, and would be expected to a recurringtheme down the entire eastern side of West Island where seagrasses occur. The area of Rumah Baru is not unique in this aspect,with this area representing less than 3% (approximately, as estimated from aerial photographs) of the seagrass meadows availableabout West Island. Given the pattern of usage by Green turtles apparent from the survey observations, and the very small area (bycomparison) of seagrass habitat that will be potentially affected by the works, no adverse impacts from the project are anticipated oneither individuals or the ecology of the turtles in the project area.


4. References

GibsonHill, C.A. 1950. Papers on the fauna of the CocosKeeling Islands. Bull Raffles Mus. 22: 710

Morgan J.G., 1994, Decapod Crustaceans of the Cocos (Keeling Islands), Atoll Research Bulletin No414, National Museaum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, USA

Stokes, T, Sheils, W and Dunn, K 1984. Birds of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean. Emu 84, 23–28.

Stokes, T., 1994, An update on the Birds of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Atoll Research Bulletin No 405,National Museaum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, USA

Walker J. & Hopkins M.S. 1990, 'Vegetation', in R.C. McDonald, R.F. Isbell, J.G. Speight, J. Walker &M.S. Hopkins, Australian soil and land survey. Field handbook, 2nd edition, Melbourne, Inkata Press.

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Location of Significant Fiddler Crab (Uca signata) habitat in relation to Stilling Basin.

Appendix B



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Figure 1: Fiddler Crab Habitat Areas

The fiddler crab habitat areas in relation to the stilling basin are shown above. The gradient in the image has been produced through modelling of the substrate and tidal influence within the internal lagoon closest to the stilling basin. Dark orange areas are areas of higher sand content, less regular tidal influences and lower densities (confirmed through actual counts). Pale areas within the internal lagoon are regularly tidally inundated, with high silt/clay content and very high fiddler crab densities. The anomalous orange area in the lower part of the internal lagoon is owing to standing deeper water at the time of the photograph.

Scale: 1: 500 (ap

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