Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads upgrade, Information for ... · Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads...

Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads upgrade, Information for Independent review- Road Ecologist

1. Background to Project The New South Wales (NSW) Roads and Maritime Services (Roads and Maritime) propose to upgrade approximately 19.5 kilometres of the Pacific Highway starting at the northern end of the Allgomera deviation south of Warrell Creek to Old Coast Road, west of Nambucca Heads, refer Attachment A – Figure 1. The upgrade (WC2NH) would comprise a motorway style dual carriageway and would include a number of significant structures including seven bridges, crossing of the Nambucca River and Warrell Creek floodplain and underpasses for both traffic and fauna. The project is the Stage 2 of the larger Warrell Creek to Urunga (WC2U) project and the approved Environmental Assessment covers both projects.

2. Consultation with Agencies

In addition to the consultation detailed in the EA and, Submissions and Preferred Project Report 2010 Roads and Maritime further developed the fauna crossing for WC2NH consultation with Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) then OEH. Correspondence includes

• Letter from OEH now EPA- 10/5/2011- Attachment B • Letter and table of structures (May2011) to DOP now DoPI- 23/5/2011

Attachment C • Follow up Letter and table of structures (June 2011) to DOP detailing

additional consultation with OEH- 01/06/2011- Attachment D • Site inspection of crossing structures with EPA on 26/11/2013 –

Attachment E

The current agreed table of Fauna Crossing as approved by DP&I is detailed in Table 4.1 below. Attachment I also displays the crossing and fauna fence locations.

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roadprojects/projects/pac_hwy/port_macquarie_coffs_harbour/warrell_creek_to_nambucca_hds/project_documents_new.html

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roadprojects/projects/pac_hwy/port_macquarie_coffs_harbour/warrell_creek_to_nambucca_hds/project_documents_new.html

Table 4.1: Fauna Crossing Structure and Fish Passage Requirements (extract from SWTC Appendix 4)

Location Fauna Crossing Structure Type

Structure Form1

Number and Dimensions

Fish Passage Requirements Additional Requirements

Chainage

42km500

Combined Bridge (-) Class 1 waterway3 Minimum 3 metre wide fauna

passage required at each abutment

Chainage

43km325

Combined Box culvert Minimum 5 no. x

3600mm x 1500mm

high

Class 2 waterway3

Set one culvert cell 200mm

(minimum) below existing bed level

Continue low flow channel through

scour protection

Fauna passage only required for

Giant Barred Frog

Two outside cells must provide dry

passage in accordance with Appendix

5 of the SWTC

No refuge poles required

Approximate culvert length is 47m.

Chainage

44km905

Fish passage Box culvert Minimum 3300 mm

wide x 1800 mm high

Class 3 waterway3

Include low flow channel 200mm


and 450mm wide


scour protection

Waterway realignment must ensure

bed stability; and maintain existing

flow velocity

Chainage

45km525

Incidental Box culvert Minimum 7 no. x

4200 mm wide x

Class 3 waterway3

Set one culvert cell 200mm


Waterway realignment must ensure

bed stability; minimise increasing or

decreasing existing waterway length;


Structure Form1



3600 mm high Continue low flow channel through

scour protection

and maintain existing flow velocity

Chainage

47km000

Fish passage Bridge (-) Class 3 waterway3

Chainage

47km525

Incidental Box culvert Minimum 3000 mm

wide x 1200 mm high

Class 3 waterway3



and 450mm wide


scour protection

Must extend under Existing Highway

Chainage

48km085

Dedicated Bridge (-) Fauna corridor listed is under

southern end span of bridge.

Minimum 3 metre wide fauna

passage required

Chainage

48km215

Dedicated Bridge (-) Class 1 waterway3

Chainage

48km275

Dedicated Bridge (-) Fauna corridor listed is under

northern end span.

Minimum 3 metre wide fauna

passage required


Structure Form1



Chainage

49km880

Incidental Box culvert Minimum 2400 x

1200 mm

No Must provide water connectivity

across Main Carriageways

Chainage

50km215

Incidental Box culvert Minimum 14 no. x

3600 x 1800 mm

No

Chainage

50km985

Incidental Box culvert Minimum14 no. x

3600 x 2100 mm

No

Chainage Combined Box culvert Minimum 2400 x No Approximate length of culvert under

55km115 2400 mm Main Carriageway is 54m and under

Old Coast Road is 29m2 .

Koala included as target species

Chainage

56km415

Combined Box culvert Minimum 2400 x

1200 mm

No Approximate culvert length under

Main Carriageway is 45m and under

Old Coast Road is 28m2 .


Chainage

58km465

Combined Box culvert Minimum 2 no. x

3600 x 2400 mm

Class 3 waterway3


(minimum) below existing bed level in

one cell

Approximate culvert length is 106m.



Structure Form1



Low flow channel width to be

consistent with existing low flow

channel width


scour protection

Chainage

59km040


1500 mm

No Approximate culvert length is 93m.


Chainage

59km565

Dedicated Box culvert Minimum 3000 x

3000 mm

No Approximate culvert length is 44m.


Chainage

60km390

Northbound

Main

Carriageway

and 60km565

Southbound

Main

Carriageway


2400 mm

No Approximate culvert length is 40m for

Northbound Main Carriageway and

30m for Southbound Main

Carriageway. Carriageway separation

is approximately 55m.


Chainage Incidental Pipe culvert Minimum 825 mm No


Structure Form1



61km195

1 A bridge may be provided in lieu of a box culvert provided that the total width between the intersection of the scour protection and the

finished ground level of the bridge is at least equivalent to the total clear width of the cells of the replaced box culvert.

2 Separate fauna crossing structures must be provided for the Main Carriageways and Service Road to provide daylight between the Main

Carriageways and Service Road structures.

3 Classification identified in consultation with DPI (Fisheries Conservation and Aquaculture)

3. Monitoring

DP&I Ministers Condition of Approval B10 requires an Ecological Monitoring Program to de developed and implemented. The Program is currently in draft form however the below is extracted from the draft Program to provide a summary.

Fauna underpasses and exclusion fencing Monitoring

Subject to the availability of suitable control sites, monitoring of the fauna underpasses and exclusion fencing will employ a Before-After Control Versus Impact (BACI) design. The BACI design allows for monitoring to occur on treated and untreated sites both before and after the subject mitigation measures have been installed or implemented

The selection criteria for fauna underpass monitoring include a continuous underpass length greater than 90 metres (excludes bridges and arches) and/or location of the structure within an area of suitable habitat for one or more of the target threatened species (ie. koala, brush-tailed phascogale, spotted-tailed quoll or giant barred frog). It was agreed with EPA that bridge underpasses will not require monitoring given that such structures have been demonstrated to provide effective fauna movement on other similar road projects.

The timing of fauna underpass/exclusion fence monitoring has been selected to coincide with the breeding seasons and likely dispersal periods of threatened fauna species targeted by the underpass structures (Table 3.4). Fauna movements are expected to be more frequent and extensive during the breeding seasons and dispersal periods due to expansion of home ranges and movement of juveniles away from natal areas. Therefore, these periods are likely to represent peaks in fauna movement, resulting in higher rates of fauna underpass usage, hence higher detection rates and sample sizes.

Table 3.4: Breeding seasons and likely dispersal periods of threatened fauna species targeted by the fauna underpass structures.

Scientific Name

Common Name

Breeding Season Likely Dispersal Periods

Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll

Late May to early August (Belcher et al. 2008).

Spring and summer.

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koala Spring and summer (Martin et al. 2008). Spring and summer.

The monitoring will commence after the vegetation clearing phase of the project has been completed, but before the underpass structures become operational. The impacts resulting from vegetation clearing are not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of fauna underpass or exclusion fence mitigation measures. Therefore, it will be necessary to collect the baseline monitoring data after the vegetation clearing phase in order to eliminate or control this variable so that its effects cannot be confused or confounded with those of the independent variable (ie. impacts of underpasses and exclusion fencing)

Monitoring of the selected fauna underpasses will involve sampling within each underpass structure and its entrances, in retained habitats adjacent to the fauna underpass and in the areas isolated by exclusion fencing leading into the underpass structures. Monitoring should involve the use of several fauna census techniques including:

• sand pad sampling (eight sampling nights per sand pad per monitoring event);

• hairtube sampling (minimum 20 sampling nights per hairtube per monitoring event);

• detection with automated cameras (minimum 40 sampling nights per camera per monitoring event);

• scat and track searches; and • use of artificial groundcover (e.g. corrugated iron or plywood sheeting).

Due to the potential risk of inundation, the use of automated cameras is not recommended at combined drainage/ fauna underpass structures.

Monitoring is currently planned for Winter and Spring of Year 2 of Construction and Years 2, 3 and 5 of Operation.

4. Fauna Underpass Use

Koala In NSW, the Roads and Maritime has commissioned several long-term studies involving radio-tracking of Koalas pre-construction, during and post-construction to investigate the effectiveness of underpasses and exclusion fencing incorporated into the Pacific Highway Upgrade. Surveyed sections include at Lindsays Cutting (Moon, 1998) and Pine Creek State Forest, near Coffs Harbour, at Raymond Terrace and Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle, and along the Yelgun to Chinderah realignment in north-eastern NSW and Bonville Upgrade (AMBS, 2011). These studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of underpasses (minimum 2.4 x 2.4 metres) for Koalas crossing the highway. This includes observations of three Koalas observed to use a steel arch structure 2.8 metres wide under a dual carriageway at Taree on the NSW mid north coast (AMBS, 2002a) and several complete Koala passages of a 4 x 10 metre span bridge, 3 x 10 metre span bridge and 2.4 x 1.2 metre Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RCBC) at Brunswick on the NSW far north coast (Taylor and Goldingay 2003 in AMBS, 2012). Three complete Koala passages were also recorded from an RCBC structure at the Yelgun to Chinderah Upgrade (AMBS, 2012). Two Koalas used underpasses along the Bulahdelah to Coolongolook section of the Pacific Highway. The Raleigh box culvert underpass was used on three possibly four occasions by koalas. Since 1999 the fauna movement structures at Bonville/ Raleigh were used at least 30 times by Koalas in the Bonville study area with at least 12 successful crossings. A 2003 report by Taylor and Goldingay recorded 2 crossings by Koalas (unradiocollared) at Brunswick Heads via a 2.4 metre wide x 1.2 metre high box culvert.

In addition to the above an RMS unpublished document detailing fauna use of fauna structures from 2009 is included in Attachment J.

Spotted Tailed Quoll An unpublished document detailing fauna use of fauna structures from 2009 is included in Attachment J. This document aids in the following summary of underpass success with regard to Spotted Tailed Quolls and Koalas. The Spotted-tailed Quoll has been recorded using underpass structures, including large box culverts and purpose-built structures. To date there is no evidence of Spotted Tailed Quolls using overpass structures. Quolls along with wombats and bats are the only taxa not to have been recorded using bridge underpasses. The Spotted-tailed Quoll would use 3 metre x 3 metre box culverts and fauna tunnels with ten records of complete passage for separate locations. Studies conducted by the RTA have also demonstrated use of fauna underpass structures by prey species of the Spotted-tailed Quoll, including possums and other medium sized mammals that comprise 75% of their diet. Increased crossing success by suitable prey species such as medium sized mammals (i.e. Brush-tailed Possum and Common Ringtail Possum) may also have an indirect beneficial impact on the Spotted-tailed Quoll. Whilst there is no supportive data, it is possible that a reduction in roadside carrion may result in a decrease in opportunistic roadside foraging by the Spotted-tailed Quoll and consequently reduce the potential for road mortality as a result of vehicle strike.

Giant Barred Frog Whilst native frogs have been recorded using a variety of types of underpass structures, there is limited data available for threatened, cryptic frogs such as the Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata), the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) and the Giant Barred Frog. To date, there have been 57 records of native frogs and Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) using underpasses during the monitoring of these structure. Further detail can be seen in Attachment J. The confirmed location of Giant Barred frog at Upper Warrell Creek will provide crossing and habitat provision through the high bridge structure.

5. Design and Construct Contract Requirements

Roads and Maritime is currently in the process of defining a preferred contractor to undertake the detailed design and construction of the WC2NH project. The below details the requirement in relation to connectivity with the contract documents

5.1 Fauna Passage

Documents within the contract that refer to mitigation for fauna connectivity include Scope and Technical Works Criteria (SWTC) Appendix 4, Table 4.1 above. Table 4.1 details the agreed minimum culvert size and numbers, approximately length based on concept design, culvert type (ie dedicated, combined fauna and drainage or incidental).

Dedicated culverts will not include drainage in the design and as such will always be a dry culvert for dedicated fauna crossing. Combined culverts are located in areas where drainage is required but at locations where fauna crossing will benefit. These culverts will have dry fauna passage in a 1 in 1 year ARI 3 day hour storm event and must not have wet sections that retain water for longer than three days. Combined culverts will also provide fish passage where required. One culvert is nominated as Fish Passage. This culvert is primarily drainage with potential for aiding fish passage

Table 1 of the extract of SWTC Appendix 5 details the design fauna related aspects of the culvert and bridge structures. Included is design, internal and external furniture, drainage timings, bridge requirements, and landscaping requirements. Attachment F is the extracted information from SWTC Appendix 5.

5.2 Fauna Fence Figure 14.1 from Appendix 14 (Attachment I) details current nominated locations for Fauna Fencing. During detailed design this location may be modified in consultation with EPA as detailed in section 5.4 SWTC Appendix 5 (Attachment F) Attachment F also details the general requirements for fauna fencing in Section 5.4. Attachment G details typical Fauna fence design.

5.3 Clearing Procedures Section 5.2.3 of SWTC Appendix 5 (Attachment F) details the requirements for pre-clearing and clearing.

5.4 Ecological Monitoring

SWTC Appendix 4.15 and 14.9 details the Contractors requirements in relation to the Ecological Monitoring Program. (Attachment H) contains the relevant extracts from Appendix 4 and 14).

References

AMBS 2002a, Fauna Underpass Monitoring Stage Two, Episode Five, Taree. Unpublished Report to the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.

AMBS 2012, Investigation of the Impact of Roads on Koalas. Report prepared for the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority by Australian Museum Business Services, Sydney.

Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS) (2011), Investigation of the Impact of Roads on Koalas. Final report prepared for the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority by Australian Museum Business Services, Sydney. AMBS Reference: 98001

FERRY

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WIRRIMBI ROAD

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SCOTTS HEAD ROAD

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BELLWOOD ROAD

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ROADCORONATION ROAD

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SWAMPY CREEK

ROSEW OOD CREEK

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SWIMMING CREEK

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TAYLORS ARM

MIDDLE H EAD CRE EKC HANNELS CREEK

WILLIAMSONS CREEK MOR G ANSGU

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BELLWOOD CREEK

BUTCHERS CREEK

S TARLIGHT CREEK

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NAMBUCCA RIVER

SLEDG

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TAYLO

RSCRE

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STONY CREEK

BRIANS CREEK

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WARR

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BOGGY CREEK

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EXISTINGHIGHWAY

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WARRELLCREEK

DONNELLYVILLE

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G:\Technical\Spatial\GIS\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\EPBC\EN04164_GIS_EPBC_F001_r2v1_A-1.mxd

Attachment A Figure 1 Overview of locality

EPBC REFERRALUpgrade of the Pacific Highway, Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads

EUNGAICREEK

STUARTSPOINT

WARRELLCREEK

SCOTTSHEAD

CONGARINNI MACKSVILLE

BELLWOOD

BOWRAVILLENAMBUCCA

HEADS

VALLABEACH

DATA SOURCESESRI basemaps 2013, Roads and Maritime Services 2010, 2013, LPMA 2010

0 4 km

Office of Environment NSW &HeritageGOVERNMENT

Our reference: DOC 11/22122 Contact: Simone Garwood

Scott Lawrence RTA Pacific Highway Office PO Box 546 Grafton 2460.

Dear Mr Lawrence,

Re: Biodiversity Connectivity- Warrell Creek to Urunga Pacific Highway Upgrade

Thank you for the opportunity to meet with yourself on the 151 April and 6 May 2011 to discuss biodiversity connectivity associated with the Warrell Creek to Urunga Pacific Highway Upgrade.

In regards to our most recent meeting on the 6 May 2011, the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) reiterates the importance of strategically designing and positioning biodiversity connectivity structures to increase the probability that they will be effective.

Where the likely effectiveness of some of these connectivity structures is questionable (eg. colocated with small drainage structures), OEH agrees that it will be more beneficial to minimise the investment in these structures and transfer those cost savings to the construction of a bridge at Dalhousie Creek. OEH considers a bridge at Dalhousie Creek will optimise biodiversity connectivity in a high conservation area (on the understanding that adequate fauna passage will be provide between the mean high water flow and toe of the scour protection).

In relation to the structures located at the chainages listed below, OEH therefore supports the proposal to revert back to the original design parameters as outlined in the attachment of your e-mail dated 5 May 2011 (EN02286_Fauna_crossing_culverts May 2011), in order to deliver cost savings which can be reinvested in a bridge at Dalhousie Creek:

• Chainage 17205; • Chainage 19820; • Chainage 30855; and • Chainage 40500.

OEH considers that the structures at the above locations are not likely to provide optimal biodiversity connectivity due to their length (>100m) and the restricted opportunity to substantially increase the height and width of these structures.

In accordance with the discussions on the 6 May 2011, OEH understands that the RTA will also be investigating opportunities to implement the following mitigation strategies:

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water is now known as the Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet

Locked Bag 914, Colts Harbour NSW 2450 Federation House level?, 24 Moonee Street,

Colts Harbour NSW 2450 Tel: (02) 6651 5946 Fax: (02) 6651 6187

ABN 30 841 387 271 W\Wt.environment.nsw.gov.au

• to increase the height of the structure at Chainage 28565 preferably to 3m, but as a minimum 2.4m and adopt this as a minimum design standard;

• to increase the size of the culvert located south of chainage 9350; • on the basis that the length of the crossing at Chainage 17720 is less than 50m, OEH

considers that a 3m x 3m box culvert would be sufficient thus reducing the need for an arched culvert; and

• the opportunity to remove the dedicated underpass at Chainage 32780 and revise the design of the next drainage structure to the north as a combined 9m x 4m arched fauna/drainage culvert. However, OEH highlights that the hydrology at this location would need to be reviewed in order to determine the adequacy of dry fauna passage on the ledges within the arched culvert.

OEH confirms that the inclusion of a bridge structure at Dalhousie Creek is the priority biodiversity connectivity strategy and if this cannot be achieved OEH would appreciate the opportunity to revisit the location and design of all fauna connectivity structures associated with the project.

If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact Simone Garwood on 66598219.

Yours sincerely

~~:~::s:-?> 3::J .c;: _____ _

BRETT NUDD Manager North Coast Region Environment Protection and Regulation Group Office of Environment and Heritage Department of Premier and Cabinet

,b -v'l·-t 2.A It

Table 1: Update to Submissions Report Warrell Creek to Urunga ‐ Fauna crossings comparison/ revisions May 2011

Page 1 of 9

Submissions report (November 2010) Proposed crossings after discussion with DECCW

Approximate Chainage

Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure

Indicative size and configuration


Proposed structure


Comments

3760 Incidental Culvert over Stony Creek

3 x 3600 x 3600

3800 Box Culvert 7 x 4200 x 3600 Increased opening. Size revised to meet hydraulic requirements. Current location coincides with watercourse.

5760 Incidental Box Culvert 3000 x 1200 5760 Box Culvert 3000 x 1200 No change.

6320 Dedicated Fauna corridor under bridge over Warrell Creek

Bridge 230m total length

6320 Bridge 230m total length No change. Corridor listed is under southern end span of bridge. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1).

6450 Dedicated Bridge over Warrell Creek

Bridge 6450 Bridge (‐) No change. Northern span of bridge over Warrell Creek detailed above. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1).

6510 Dedicated Fauna corridor under bridge over Warrell Creek

Bridge 6510 Bridge (‐) Location is part of bridge over Warrell Creek detailed above. No change. Corridor listed is under northern end span. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1).

8115 Incidental Box Culvert 2400 x 1200 8115 Box Culvert 2400 x 1200 No change.


Page 2 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

8450 Incidental Box Culvert 14 x 3600 x 1800

8450 Box Culvert 14x3600x1800 No change.


9220 Box Culvert 14 x 3600 x 2100 No change.

13285 Combined Box Culvert 2400 x 1200

13285 Box Culvert 2400x2400 Culvert height increased for improved fauna connectivity. Fill height approximately 7m. Length of culvert under highway is 54 m and under Old Coast Road is 29m. Daylight between highway and Old Coast Road.


14555 Box Culvert 2400x1200 No change. Fill height is approximately 3m to road level. The culvert height has not been increased to 2400, as this would require lifting the road level. Culvert length under highway (approximately 45m) and Old Coast Road is approximately 73m in total. Daylight between highway and Old Coast Road.

16630 Combined Box Culvert 3x3600x1200

16630 Box Culvert 2x 3600x2400 Size increased for improved fauna connectivity. Fill height is approximately 15m and requires verges at lower tier. Culvert length is approximately 106m. Reduction in length is not achievable without 15 high retaining walls, so has not been adopted.


17205 Box Culvert 2400x1500 No change Fill height is approximately 15m and culvert is running at around 70 degrees to match the existing watercourse. Length approximately 93m. Reduction in length is not achievable without 15m high retaining walls, so


Page 3 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

has not been adopted. 17720

Dedicated Box Culvert 2400 x 2400

17720 Box Culvert 3000 X 3000 Culvert size increased for improved fauna connectivity. Fill height is approximately 6.5m. Length is approximately 44m.


18515 northbound and 18695 southbound

Box Culvert 2400x2400 Culvert size increased. Fill height approximately 8m. Length is 40m northbound and 30m southbound. Carriageway separation is about 55m. Culvert across southbound carriageway moved to 18695 to minimise number of culverts and improve culvert skew. Increased length of fauna fencing is required between northbound and southbound culverts.

19350 Incidental Circular Culvert

750 19350 Pipe Culvert 750 No change.

19820 Combined Box Culvert 5 x 2400 x 2100

19820 Box Culvert 5 x 2400 x 2100

No Change Fill height is approximately 14 m, requiring verges at lower tier. Culvert length is approximately 97 m across proposed highway and 30m across existing highway with daylight in between. Reduction in length is not achievable without 14 m high retaining walls, so has not been adopted.

20880 Dedicated Fauna corridor under bridge over Boggy Creek

Bridge 20800 Bridge Total length 96m No change. Bridges over Boggy Creek. Fauna corridor under southern end span. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1)


Page 4 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

20880 Dedicated Bridge over Boggy Creek

Bridge 20880 Bridge Total length 96m No change. Bridge over Boggy Creek. Fauna corridor under northern end span. Without creek re‐alignment it is unlikely to achieve 3m unhindered passage on the northern abutment. Bridge pier layout has been designed to avoid placing piers directly into the ‘low flow’ watercourse. To achieve 3m unhindered passage on the northern abutment the piers would be required to be placed into the ‘low flow’ watercourse (assuming the creek was not realigned). Detail on the exact pier configuration and passage whether 3m unhindered fauna passage can be achieved on the northern abutment will be finalised as part of the detailed design in consultation with DPI (Fisheries) and Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH)

21740 Dedicated Fauna corridor under bridge over Cow Creek

Bridge 21740 Bridge Total length 122m No change. Fauna corridor under northern and southern end span. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1).

21740 Dedicated Bridge over Cow Creek

Bridge 21740 Bridge Total length 122m No change. Fauna corridor under northern and southern end span. 1m wide unhindered fauna passage would be required.

23040 Dedicated Fauna corridor under bridge over Deep Creek

Bridge 23040 Bridge Bridge over Deep Creek

No change. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1).


Page 5 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

24305 Incidental Box Culvert 2700 x 900 24305 Box Culvert 2700x900; crosses local service road not upgrade.

No change.


25255 Box Culvert 2400x2400 Not continued under local service road.

No change. Fill height is approximately 4.6m. Length is 42m under highway and 37m under existing highway with daylight in between. Underpass cannot continue under the local service road, unless the service road is regraded. This would need an adjustment of the proposed boundary. Therefore it is not proposed to have the underpass extend under the local road.


26535 Box Culvert 4 x 3600 x 1200 Plus 1 x 3600 x 2400

Increase one cell to 2400 height for improved fauna connectivity. Fill height is approximately 4.5m. Length approximately 18m and 52m day light between highway and local service road. Minor level adjustment required to local service road to accommodate increased height.

27845 Incidental Pipe Culvert

4X1200 27848 Pipe Culvert 4x 1200 No Change


Page 6 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

28275 Incidental Pipe Culvert

3x 1200 28275 Pipe culvert 2x1800 Increased height. Culvert modified to 2x1800 because of drainage considerations

28565 N/A N/A 2 x 2400 x 1200

28565 Box Culvert 3600x3000 Originally 2 x 2400 x 1200 box culvert (for drainage) this structure has been increased to 3600 x3000 box culvert to serve as a combined fauna/drainage structure. Fill height is approximately 5.0m. Length is approximately 53m long. Not feasible to daylight in the median without significant cost (narrow median width) Fauna fence would be provided to assist usage of this structure

29650 N/A N/A N/A 29650 Bridge over McGraphs Creek Floodplain No.1

Approximate length 100m

Unhindered fauna passage is able to be provided on the northern and southern banks (refer to Note 1) Fauna fence would be provided to assist usage of this structure

30855 Combined Box Culvert

2100 x 900

30855 Box Culvert 2100 x 900 No change Fill height is approximately 12 m. Length is approximately 110 m. Culvert located in transition zone to wider separations and batters overlap, as a result there is no opening in the median. Due large fill heights it is not possible to daylight culverts in the median. Because of large fill heights retaining walls would be required to reduce culvert length this is not considered a reasonable option at this location given larger fauna crossing structure (bridge) at CH 31510


Page 7 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments


31510 Bridge over Dalhouse Creek

Minimum 15.0m span

Replace box culverts with Bridge to improve fauna connectivity. Unhindered fauna passage is likely to be provided on the northern and southern banks (refer to Note 1)

32075

Combined Box Culvert

2400 x 1200

31930 Northbound 31750 Southbound

Box Culvert

2400 x 2400 Culvert size increased to improve fauna connectivity Design modified to utilise wide separation between carriageways for open drain and culvert crosses the northbound and southbound carriageway separately, because the existing watercourse runs in the median. Fill height is approximately 6m. Length of culvert is approximately 50m across each carriageway.

32780 Dedicated Box Culvert 2400 x 2400

32930 Arch Minimum height 4.0m Minimum span 9.0m

Replaced box culvert with arch structure. Location moved to 32930 Fill height approximately 10 m. Length is approximately 62m. Hydrology at this location would need to be reviewed to confirm dry passage for most times of the year is available for fauna.

33395 Incidental Circular Culvert

3 x 1200 33395 Box Culvert 3000x2400 Size increased for drainage purposes

33880 Incidental Box Culvert 2400 x 1200 33940 Box Culvert 2400x1200 Note the location shift to avoid the spider orchid. No change in size.

34380

Combined Box Culvert 3 x 2700 x 1200

34450 Box Culvert 3600 x 2400 Single cell box culvert adopted with increased height to suit combined crossing for fauna. Note the location shift to avoid the spider orchid. Fill height is approximately 8m. Length is approximately 68m.


Page 8 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

34380


34450 Box Culvert 3600x3600 Culvert height increased to improve fauna connectivity Fill height is approximately 8m. Length is approximately 68m.

34380


34450 Box Culvert 3000x3000 Culvert height increased to improve fauna connectivity Fill height is approximately 8m. Length is approximately 68m.


34780 Box Culvert 3600 x 2100 Single cell box culvert adopted for drainage purposes Note the location shift to avoid the spider orchid. Increased height is benefit to fauna crossing. Culvert length approximately 56m. Fill height approx 6m


35095 Box Culvert 23x3600x3000 No change. Culvert length approximately 50m.


36905 Box Culvert 2x2400x1200 No change. Fill height is approximately 3m. Fill height would need to be increased to accommodate a higher culvert. Culvert length is approximately 53m.

37950 Dedicated Dry corridor

2400 x 2400

37950 Bridge 15 m minimum length

Placement of a bridge at this location. Unhindered passage is provided (refer to Note 1).


38330 Box Culvert 2x3000x1500 No change. Fill height is approximately 1m. Fill height would have to be increased for the northbound carriageway to accommodate a higher culvert. Carriageways have wide separation. Culvert length is approximately 28m across southbound carriageway and


Page 9 of 9



Fauna crossing type

Proposed structure



Proposed structure


Comments

37m across southbound carriageway.


39990 Box Culvert 17x3300x2100 No change.


40500 Box Culvert 9 x 3000 x 2100

No change Fill height approximately 3.5m Length of culvert is approximately 48m under proposed highway and 17m under existing highway realignment, with daylight t in between. Uncertain whether dry passage would be able to be achieved for most of the year at this location.

Notes: SKM has prepared this information in accordance with the scope of work outlined by the RTA. The indicative size and configuration of culverts would be further refined during the detailed design phase. SKM assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions in the data or for use of this data in any other context or for any other purpose or by third parties.

1) The bridges detailed above appear to have a 3m unhindered passage for fauna, with the exception of the northern abutment at Boggy Creek. Note that this has been determined from limited survey data and will need to be confirmed during the detailed design.

2) Multiple culverts with non‐matching cell heights impacts on the construction cost. The optimum construction cost scenario includes an odd number of cells maximising the use of link slabs.

3) For incidental crossing some rationalisation of the culvert configurations was undertaken following the initial design to eliminate smaller multiple pipes susceptible to blockage in preference to single larger size pipe or box culverts.

Minutes Page 1 of 3

MEETING MINUTES

Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads – Fauna underpass Name of meeting:

Location of meeting: Project site

Meeting facilitator: Andrew Cook (RMS)

9.00 – 15:00 Date: 26/11/13 Time:

Tammie Tribe (RMS), Andrew Cook (RMS), Craig Harré (EPA) Attendees:

Apologies:

Discussion/Comments Action/Response

General • Inspection was planned to concentrate on the Fauna crossing identified in

Table 4.1 of SWTC. • Discussion was had on the early consultation with EPA (OEH) in 2011

which had involved another member of the EPA team

• Nil

Upper Warrell Creek bridge (Chainage 42km500/EA 735) - No issues raised by EPA- Discussion had on the requirement for 3m

wide fauna passage on either side of the waterway - Discussion had on the fencing setup for the Giant Barred Frog at

Upper Warrell Creek

• Nil

Butchers Creek (Chainage 43km325/EA 1560) • Discussion had on fauna fencing at this location was targeting Giant

Barred Frog and that the Fauna Passage requirements were also targeted for Giant Barred Frog (is dry passage required but no refuge poles)

• Nil

Stony Creek (Chainage 45km525/ EA Chainage 3760) • Limited vegetation here, short top for Craig’s orientation.

• Nil

Williamson Creek (Chainage 47km000) • Limited vegetation at this location. • Discussed the Microbat Management Strategy and possible changes

based on not forcing exclusion at this and other locations.

• RMS to following up additional consultation with EPA regarding changes to the Microbat Management Plan.

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 47km525/ EA Chainage 5760) • Inspection had on both up stream and downstream. A stream blockage

with a farm crossing constructed of large rocks was observed downstream.

• Further examination of the project plans show this farm crossing to be removed

• Nil

Warrell Creek bridge • EPA commented on the importance of this crossing as part of the larger

• Comments noted.

regional fauna corridor, with particular emphasises on the southern bank.

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 49km880/ EA Chainage 8115) • It was noted this waterway crossing was on the southern side of the Grey

headed Flying fox colony • The fauna fence in the current design based on the EA was discussed.

Possible opportunity for further discussion during detailed design removing this fencing based on inundated area not likely to provide habitat for high numbers of mammal which would fauna fence would be targeting towards. Flying foxes would not be influenced by the fauna fence.

• EPA to further consider and discuss during detailed design.

Nambucca River • Not inspected

•

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 55km115/ EA Chainage 13285) • It was noted Koala was a target species at this location as detailed in

Table 4.1 Appendix 4 SWTC • The height of the structure was discussed with Craig commenting more

height would achieve better passage

• RMS has consulted with EPA previously regarding the dimensions of the combined fauna underpasses as part of the complete Warrell Creek to Urunga project. It is noted that the dimensions are considered the minimum dimensions.

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 56km415/ EA Chainage 14555) • Not inspected

•

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 58km465/ EA Chainage 16630) • The concept design shows two 3600 mm wide x 2400 mm high box

culvert. Concept shows this culvert to be approximately 106m long. • Comments were made on the height of the structure considering the

height of fill (approximately 15 m). • Craig commented a reduction in the skew would shorten the culvert length• It was noted Koala was a target species at this location as detailed in

Table 4.1 Appendix 4 SWTC •

• Refer to response above for Chainage 55km115 regarding culvert dimensions and fill height.

• EPA to raise with Construction contractor during detailed design

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 59km040/ EA Chainage 17205) • The concept design shows one 2400 mm wide x 1500 mm high box

culvert. • Comments were made on the height of the structure considering the

height of fill (approximately 15 m). • Comments were also made on reducing culvert skew to potentially reduce

culvert length. • It was noted Koala was a target species at this location as detailed in

Table 4.1 Appendix 4 SWTC

• Refer to response above for Chainage 55km115 regarding culvert dimensions and fill height.

• Opportunities to reduce culvert skew would be investigated during detailed design.

Minutes Page 2 of 3

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 59km565/ EA Chainage 17720) • It was noted this is the only dedicated culvert on WC2NH and Koala was

a target species at this location as detailed in Table 4.1 Appendix 4 SWTC

• Inspection of culvert area saw good vegetation around the site with some weeds

• No issues raised with culvert •

• Nil

Unnamed drainage line (Chainage 60km390 and 60km565/ EA Chainage 18515 and 18695) • It was noted that this location is associated with the widened median

section of the project. • The concept design shows one 2400 mm wide x 2400 mm high box

culverts under each carriageway with a run of fauna fence required to join • Craig commented that reducing the run length would benefit crossing

success. •

• Opportunities to reduce run length through the widened median would be investigated during detailed design.

Unnamed drainage line (59km195/ EA Chainage 19350) • Not inspected due to incidental classification

• Nil

Minutes Page 3 of 3

Pacific Highway upgrade – Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads Provisions for Fauna

5.2.3 Clearing Procedures

The fauna rescue procedure must address the control of all clearing operations to

minimise fauna injury and must include procedures to reduce risks from vehicle

impacts to fauna in newly cleared areas.

The fauna rescue procedure must address, as a minimum, the following

requirements:

(a) The contact details for the project ecologist must be identified and kept at a

convenient location on the Construction Site and must be available to the

relevant Contractor’s management and supervisory personnel at all locations

where clearing is being undertaken, to enable quick contact and access with

the project ecologist.

(b) Prior to undertaking clearing at any location or time, a pre-clearing

assessment must be undertaken by the project ecologist to identify the

presence or evidence of the presence (including fresh scats, scratches and

remains of prey) of fauna, including threatened species. The assessment

must include processes and actions to protect or rescue the identified fauna,

including koalas, bat colonies and roosts, glider dens and frogs.

(c) All hollow bearing trees, potential hollow bearing trees and all other fauna

containing habitat trees, including trees with nests, dreys and termitaria likely

to be occupied by fauna, must be marked at least 7 days prior to the

commencement of clearing in a manner which clearly identifies and

demarcates the trees.

(d) The Contractor must identify and mark all habitat features, which consist of all

large fallen logs (greater than 300 mm diameter and not in advanced stage of

decay) and bush rocks, in a manner which clearly identifies and demarcates

the feature. The Contractor must relocate these habitat features to areas

adjacent to the clearing footprint and within the Construction Site.

(e) The Contractor must implement a two stage approach to clearing. Non-

habitat trees must be removed at least 48 hours before habitat trees are

removed, unless otherwise agreed with EPA, to allow fauna an opportunity to

move from habitat trees and allow time to concentrate rescue efforts on the

trees that are most likely to be inhabited. All habitat trees must be felled

under the supervision of the project ecologist. Felled trees must be left for a

Scope of Works and Technical Criteria Page 3 Appendix 5 RFT


short period of time, determined by the project ecologist, on the ground to

give any fauna trapped in the trees an opportunity to escape.

(f) An assessment of habitat trees and the handling of the fauna affected by the

clearing activities must be undertaken. The assessment must address all

elements of the implementation, outcomes and effectiveness of the fauna

rescue procedure, including:

(i) the identification and assessment of habitat trees affected by the

clearing activities, including details on the checks by the project

ecologist on trees for fauna, nests and the like, and the

implementation of the fauna rescue procedure; and

(ii) shocked and injured animal care and handling.

(g) Procedures for the relocation of non-injured fauna from clearing areas and

operations, including the identification of appropriate locations, timings and

weather conditions for the relocation of non-injured fauna.

(h) Procedures for handling injured fauna from clearing areas and operations,

including details on liaison with wildlife rescue groups, veterinary surgeons

and any other appropriate organisations or individuals.

5.2.4 Structures

The Contractor must assess all bridge and culvert structures to be removed for the

presence of native fauna, including fauna such as bats that may be present in gaps

in structures or scuppers. If native fauna are found, a fauna rescue procedure must

be prepared in consultation with EPA. The Contractor must prepare the fauna

rescue procedure and recommend appropriate mitigation measures and monitoring.

The fauna rescue procedure must be prepared by degree qualified and experienced

ecologists, with expertise in fauna rescue for the relevant fauna species.

5.2.5 Water extraction and dewatering

Where the construction of the Project Works requires the Contractor to infill dams or

dewater waterways for the construction of drainage structures, the Contractor must

develop and implement a dewatering procedure. The dewatering procedure must be

implemented under the direct control of the Project Ecologist and must address the

following requirements:



(a) restriction of the initial drawdown of water to a manageable level for the

survey, capture and relocation of aquatic fauna, including native fish, turtles

and eels (approximately 500 mm depth of water remaining);

(b) following initial drawdown, management of the survey, capture and relocation

of aquatic fauna, including native fish, turtles and eels, to nearby recipient

sites that are:

(i) not directly impacted by the Contractor’s Work; and

(ii) part of the same sub-catchment so as to avoid the inadvertent

dispersal of native vertebrates into unsuitable habitat;

(c) procedures to euthanase any exotic fish and any other fish that cannot be

appropriately identified (native or not), in consultation with DPI (Fishing and

Aquaculture); and

(d) in Giant Barred frog habitat development in accordance with requirements of

section 14.6 of Appendix 14 of the Scope of Works and Technical Criteria.

5.2.6 Reporting

Following the completion of clearing operations and any bridge and culvert structures

removal, the Contractor, in consultation with the project ecologist, must prepare a

report that:

(a) details the assessment of habitat trees and the handling of the fauna affected

by the clearing activities undertaken in accordance with the requirements of

section 5.2.3 of this Appendix;

(b) details the clearing and structures removal operations, including procedures,

dates, areas and information on the fauna specialist(s) present during the

clearing and structures removal operations;

(c) details any live animals that were sighted, captured, released, injured or

shocked;

(d) details dead animals that were found as a result of clearing and structures

removal operations and fauna rescue;

(e) details trees being used for breeding or roosting by fauna, including their

species, locations, sizes, heights and depths of hollows in trees;


5.3


(f) details any bridge or culvert structure being used for breeding or roosting by

fauna, including their species, locations, sizes, gap heights and depths;

(g) includes photo images of rescued fauna;

(h) includes records of road kill during the clearing period and for one month

following clearing;

(i) includes an analysis of the effectiveness of the clearing methods and fauna

rescue procedures adopted by the Contractor; and

(j) includes recommendations for future pre-clearing assessments and/or fauna

rescue procedures.

Fauna Underpasses

Fauna underpasses must comply with the requirements of Table 1. The design of

fauna underpasses must be undertaken in consultation with EPA and Fisheries. The

Contractor must address the fauna underpass requirements identified in Table 1 in

the Design Documentation. The Contractor must also prepare and keep records of

all agreements reached with agencies and include these records in the Design

Documentation.



Table 1 Fauna Underpass Requirements

Fauna Underpass Requirement

Issue

Design, location • Underpasses must be located as close as possible to, or

and installation of within, recognised fauna movement corridors and / or

dedicated fauna adjacent to areas of key habitat.

underpasses • Underpasses must provide an unobstructed view, for fauna

using an underpass, of the habitat or horizon on the other

side of the underpass. The location of the underpasses in

the embankment fills must be optimised to provide these

views.

• The design must ensure that fauna can view the entrance to

underpasses by careful placement of vegetation and other

features.

• Underpasses must be located and installed so that entrance

slopes are not steeper than 3:1 H:V nor rocky and must

provide suitable fauna passage.

• Clearance of natural vegetation adjacent to underpasses

must be minimised during construction.

• Scour protection associated with the entries and exits to

underpasses must accommodate and provide for the safe

and effective passage of fauna as detailed in Figure 5.3, be

constructed with the smallest reasonably possible rock size,

be as level as possible and have minimal gaps between the

rocks. Consideration must be given to the use of concrete

paths or other suitable surfaces in the scour protection to

provide for the safe and effective passage of fauna.

• Except for dedicated fauna underpasses under twin bridges

over Warrell Creek, dedicated fauna culvert underpass floors

and exit / entry points must provide dry fauna passage in 1

in 100 year average recurrence interval (ARI) events.

• Dedicated fauna underpasses under twin bridges over

Warrell Creek must maintain existing flood immunity.



Fauna Underpass

Issue

Requirement

Internal furniture • Durable refuge poles / horizontal poles must be installed features of inside underpasses where required by the Environmental dedicated fauna Documents and in underpasses that may be frequented by underpasses fauna species which are likely to use the structures. The

refuge poles must be designed to provide safe refuge for

fauna from predators and to encourage use of the

underpasses by smaller fauna species. The poles must be

located to one side of the underpasses. The structures must

be upright. Cross legged supports which block views and

access must not be used in the structures. Forks must be

installed at the top of refuge poles to provide a rest area for

fauna.

• The preferred medium on floors of dedicated fauna

underpasses is mulch.

External furniture • Durable refuge poles must be provided outside of features of underpasses, within 4 metres of the ends of the dedicated fauna underpasses. Flood impacts must be assessed and underpasses considered in determining the location of refuge poles.

Refuge poles must be 4 metres above ground with

diameters no greater than 25 cm at ground level.

• Unless otherwise agreed with EPA, cleared stumps / logs

must not be used at the ends of underpasses, as they can

be a fauna barrier and / or provide hiding areas for predatory

fauna and / or obstruct the view of habitat at the end of the

underpass.

Design • Combined underpass floors and exit / entry points must considerations for provide dry fauna passage during a 1 in 1 year ARI 3 day combined hour storm event and must not have wet sections that retain drainage and water for longer than three days. fauna

underpasses • Combined underpasses must be located and installed so



Fauna Underpass

Issue

Requirement

that entrance slopes are not steeper than 3:1 H:V nor rocky

and must provide suitable fauna passage.

• Scour protection associated with the entries and exits to

combined drainage / fauna underpasses must accommodate

and provide for the safe and effective passage of fauna as

detailed in Figure 5.3, be constructed with the smallest

reasonably possible rocksize, be as level as possible and

have minimal gaps between the rocks. Consideration must

be given to the use of concrete paths or other suitable

surfaces in the scour protection areas to provide for the safe

and effective passage of fauna.

• Durable refuge poles / horizontal poles must be installed

inside combined underpasses where required by the

Environmental Documents and in combined underpasses

that may be frequented by fauna species which are likely to

use the structures. The refuge poles must be designed to

provide safe refuge for fauna from predators and to

encourage use of the underpasses by smaller fauna

species. The poles must be located to one side of the

underpasses. The structures must be upright. Cross legged

supports which block views and access must not be used in

the structures. Forks must be installed at the top of refuge

poles to provide a rest area for fauna.

• Durable refuge poles must be provided outside of combined

underpasses, within 4 metres of the ends of the

underpasses. Flood impacts must be assessed and

considered in determining the location of refuge poles.

Refuge poles must be 4 metres above ground with

diameters no greater than 25 cm at ground level.

Design

considerations for

Main Carriageway

• Clearance of natural vegetation adjacent to the Main

Carriageway bridges must be minimised during construction.



Fauna Underpass

Issue

Requirement

bridges which are • Where a Main Carriageway bridge traverses a local road, it required to must provide dry, safe and effective passage of fauna. provide fauna

passage under • Scour protection associated with the entries and exits to

the bridge Main Carriageway bridges must accommodate and provide

for the safe and effective passage of fauna as detailed in

Figure 5.3, be constructed with the smallest reasonably

possible rock size, be as level as possible and have minimal

gaps between the rocks. Consideration must be given to the

use of concrete paths or other suitable surfaces in the scour

protection areas to provide for the safe and effective

passage of fauna.

Landscaping

within approaches

to dedicated fauna

underpasses,

combined

drainage and

fauna

underpasses and

Main Carriageway

bridges where

provisions must

be made for fauna

passage under

the bridge

• Clearing of existing vegetation near underpasses and

combined underpasses and bridges must be minimised.

• Revegetation near dedicated underpasses and combined

underpasses and bridges must be commenced as soon as

practicable after clearing of existing vegetation and within 3

months of completion of construction of each fauna

underpass and combined underpass and bridge.

• The density of vegetation planting or seeding must match

the surrounding natural habitat.

• Vegetation planted or seeded within an approach to either

an underpass or combined underpass and bridge must:

o not obstruct access to the underpass or bridge;

o be endemic and representative of the

surrounding natural habitat;

o be designed to attract native fauna species to the

structure, except where fauna exclusion fences

are not present; and


5.4


Fauna Underpass

Issue

Requirement

o not obstruct the views through, or disguise, the

entrance to the underpass or bridge.

Fauna Fences

The fauna fencing requirements of this Appendix 5 must be identified and addressed

within the Flora and Fauna Management Plan. The design of fauna fencing must be

undertaken and finalised in consultation and agreement with EPA. The fauna fencing

must be designed where required by the Environmental Documents to provide a

barrier to reptiles, snakes and frogs. The Contractor must comply with the fauna

fencing requirements identified in Table 2 and Table 3 and address these

requirements in the Design Documentation. The Contractor must also prepare and

keep records of all agreements reached with Authorities and include these records in

the Design Documentation.

5.4.1 Standard Fauna Fences

Standard fauna fencing must comply with the standard requirements detailed in

Table 2.

Table 2 Standard fauna fencing requirements

Fauna Fencing

Issue

Requirement

Type of fauna

fencing • Fauna fencing must be a heavily galvanised, floppy-top

mesh fauna fence designed in accordance with the drawing

MD.R201.D02.A and Appendix 15 of the Scope of Works

and Technical Criteria and must be unobtrusive. Plastic

coated fencing is not permitted.

• The extension of wire chain-lock mesh above the tops of

galvanised pipe posts must be sufficiently ‘floppy’ to prevent

climbing fauna from climbing over the fence. The floppy

extensions must face the fauna locations away from the road

carriageway.



Fauna Fencing

Issue

Requirement

Installation of

fauna fencing • Along the length of the fence, mesh one metre wide must be

attached to the base of the fauna fencing and laid over the

ground away from the carriageway to provide an effective

barrier to burrowing animals. The mesh must be pinned to

the ground with metal pins at least every metre without any

gaps between the mesh and the ground.

• The alignment of fauna fencing must not contain corners

with internal angles less than 135 degrees in order to

minimise the risk of fauna being trapped by predators.

• Fauna fencing must be designed and installed without sharp

edges which may cause injury to fauna or humans.

• Fauna fence returns must be provided to restrict fauna going

around the ends of fauna fencing, particularly where access

roads are located near to the ends of the fauna fencing.

Returns in fauna fences must:

o connect to the ends of fauna fences as defined in

Appendix 4 of the Scope of Works and Technical

Criteria; and

o extend a minimum 25 metres past the defined

ends of the fencing and must be curved away

from the road carriageways.

Location of fauna

fencing and visual

and urban design

issues

• Fauna fencing must be provided, as a minimum, where there

is an identified fauna movement corridor and in accordance

with the Environmental Documents and Scope of Works and

Technical Criteria.

• Fauna fences must be installed as close as possible to the

road, taking into account the visual and urban design

principles in Appendix 15 of the Scope of Works and

Technical Criteria, in order to:



Fauna Fencing

Issue

Requirement

o avoid drains, operational basins, rough

topography and the like which could be potential

fauna access points. Crossing drains must be

avoided wherever possible;

o provide maintenance access;

o provide greater revegetated habitat for fauna;

o allow fauna access to available fauna watering

points, including constructed wetlands; and

o avoid large trees which could fall across and

damage fences and thereby provide an avenue

for fauna to cross the fences.

• Where the fauna fences are installed on fills, the fences

must be set down below the top of the fills so that they are

less visible from vehicles but are easy to maintain. Tops of

fauna fences may be set at just below safety barrier levels

on fills so that they are unobtrusive. Fauna fences must be

located in less visible locations wherever possible.

• Fauna fences may be installed on the highest fill bench and

lowest cut batter bench to locate the fences closer to the

road. Fencing on cut batter benches must blend into the

surroundings and high quality landscaping must be provided

to screen the fences. Design of landscaping in the vicinity of

fauna fences must avoid vegetation with the potential to

grow to a size that overhangs the fencing, and prevents

fauna from entering the road way.

Fauna escape

mechanisms in

areas with fauna

fencing

• In areas where there are long distances of fauna fence,

provision must be made, in consultation with EPA, for fauna

escape points where practical. Escape points must prevent

fauna access into the road reserve area. The design of



Fauna Fencing

Issue

Requirement

escape points must take into account fauna species and

safe drop heights for fauna.

• Escape point design solutions may include:

o joining fauna fences up to structure wing walls,

allowing a small drop for fauna escape; and

o ramp structures with a drop for fauna as detailed

in Figure 5.1.

Fauna fencing at • Fauna fences must be installed between dual carriageway fauna bridges and culverts where there are gaps between underpasses and structures to prevent fauna accessing the median strip. combined fauna

underpasses and • Fauna exclusion fencing at underpass entrances must have

bridges wide angled openings to encourage usage by fauna. Fauna

fencing must be placed above fauna culvert structures or

join bridge structures as high as possible at the abutment

while locating the top of the fauna fence below the top of the

traffic barrier.

• Fauna fences must be joined to fauna underpass structures

without any gaps.

Fauna fencing

across drains, at

gates and at

detention ponds

and basins

Fauna fencing provided across drains and gates must prevent

fauna access.

Access to fauna

fencing Access must be provided to and along fauna fences for fence

maintenance and vegetation control. This access must be

suitable for a 2.5 metre wide vehicle.

Gates Access gates through the fauna fencing must be provided

without any gaps or holes that would allow fauna access when

shut. Gates must have a locking mechanism. Gates must be



Fauna Fencing

Issue

Requirement

located and sized to provide suitable access in the operational

phase. The floppy extensions in the fauna fencing must be

continuous over the gates.

Revegetation in • Native tree and shrub seeding and planting stock must not the vicinity of be used within 3 metres of fauna fences during the fauna fencing revegetation process.

• The Contractor must design revegetation to reduce vines

and heavy vegetation / grass growth in and adjacent to

fauna fences and suitable measures must be implemented

to reduce the extent of regrowth and maintenance. The

Contractor must provide in the Design Documentation

details of design and installation measures to address this

issue.

Maintenance and

inspections of the

fauna fencing

• Inspections and maintenance of the fauna fencing must be

addressed in the Flora and Fauna Management Plan.

• Fauna fencing must be designed and installed to facilitate

access for maintenance of the fauna fencing, including the

provision of access tracks and access to benches, gates and

any other fence infrastructure.

• Within 3 months prior to opening any section of the Works to

traffic, all fauna fences along the section of Works which is

to be opened to traffic must be installed and must be

inspected by the Contractor for:

o gaps in fauna fencing at drains, gates and other

areas;

o adequate pinning down of mesh;

o any vegetation located within 3 metres of the

fauna fencing which could allow fauna across the

fence; and



Fauna Fencing

Issue

Requirement

o any trees or branches located across the fence.

• A report on the inspection must be provided to RMS

Representative, including resolution of any issues arising

from the inspection

5.4.2 Frog Fauna Fences

Frog fauna fencing must comply with the requirements detailed in Table 3.

Table 3 Frog fencing requirements

Frog Fencing

Issue

Requirement

Type of fencing • Frog fencing is a separate fence to the standard fauna

fencing detailed in Table 2 and must include 1.5 mm

neoprene rubber sheeting running along the bottom half of

the fence with a length of pressed steel or aluminium

attached horizontally at the top of the rubber in accordance

with Figure 5.2.

Installation of • The rubber sheeting must extend flat on the ground for a fencing minimum 100 mm on the habitat side of the frog fencing.

• The lip of the pressed steel or aluminium must be located on

the habitat side of the frog fencing.

• Frog fencing must be designed and installed without sharp

edges which could cause injury to fauna or humans.

• Galvanised star pickets must be installed at 3.2 m intervals

or at a distance to ensure the top edge of the fence does not

sag.

Location of

fencing and visual

and urban design

• Frog fencing must be provided, as a minimum, where there

is identified habitat and/or breeding ponds for the Green-

thighed frog and in accordance with the Environmental



Frog Fencing

Issue

Requirement

issues Documents and Scope of Works and Technical Criteria.

• Frog fences must:

o be installed as close as possible to the road,

taking into account the visual and urban design

principles in Appendix 15 of the Scope of Works

and Technical Criteria;

o be located between the road and associated

drainage (including catch drains, table drains and

the inlet and outlet of transverse and longitudinal

drainage structures);

o avoid rough topography; and

o be provided with maintenance access;

• Rubber sheeting must be black or a similar dark colour to be

less visible and blend into the surrounding environment.

Revegetation in

the vicinity of frog

fencing

• Native shrub seeding and planting stock must not be used

within 1 metre of frog fencing as part of any revegetation.

• Revegetation must be designed to reduce vines and heavy

vegetation / grass growth in and adjacent to frog fences and

suitable measures must be implemented to reduce the

extent of regrowth and maintenance. Details of design and

installation measures to address this issue must be provided

in the Design Documentation.

Maintenance and

inspections of the

frog fencing.

• Inspections and maintenance of the frog fencing must be

addressed in the Flora and Fauna Management Plan.

• Within 3 months prior to opening any section of the Works to

traffic, all frog fences along the section of Works which is to

be opened to traffic must be installed and must be inspected


5.5


Frog Fencing

Issue

Requirement

by the Contractor for:

o sagging of the top edge of the fence;

o adequate laying of the rubber sheet;

o gaps between the pressed steel or aluminium

and the rubber sheet; and

o any shrub vegetation located within 1 metre of

the frog fencing which could allow frogs across

the fence.

• A report on the inspection must be provided to RMS

Representative, including resolution of any issues arising

from the inspection.

Waterway and Drainage Structures

Transverse drainage structures must be “fish friendly”, accommodate the needs of

fish and must comply with the requirements detailed in Table 4. Fish friendly

drainage structures must be identified within the Flora and Fauna Management Plan.

The design of fish friendly drainage structures must be undertaken in consultation

with Department of Primary Industries (Fishing and Aquaculture). The design of fish

friendly drainage structures must comply with the Environmental Documents,

Department of Primary Industries (Fishing and Aquaculture) guidelines identified in

Appendix 8 of the Scope of Works and Technical Criteria and address the

requirements in Table 4. The design must match preferred crossing type to

waterway type in accordance with Why do Fish Need to Cross the Road, Fish

Passage Requirements for Waterway Crossings, NSW Fisheries, January 2003.

The Contractor must comply with the requirements identified in Table 4 and address

them in the Design Documentation. The Contractor must prepare and keep records

of all agreements reached with agencies and include these records in the Design

Documentation.


Extract from SWTC Appendix 4 4.15 Ecological Monitoring Program (a) Further to and as a consequence of condition B10. of the Planning and Infrastructure Minister's Approval and commitment F13 of the Statement of Commitments, RMS has commissioned Benchmark Environmental Management to develop an ecological monitoring program, noting that the program is based on and only addresses the impacts associated with the assumptions and inputs, including an assumed concept design, identified in the program and not the Final Design Documentation. The program is titled “Warrell Creek To Urunga Pacific Highway Upgrade Ecological Monitoring Program Stage 2: Nambucca Heads To Warrell Creek” (“Ecological Monitoring Program”)” and is Information Document 250. (b) The Contractor must implement the: (i) requirements of the Ecological Monitoring Program; and (ii) other requirements; (iii) which are detailed in section 14.9 of Appendix 14 of the Scope of Works and Technical Criteria. Extract from SWTC Appendix 14 14.9 Ecological Monitoring Program (a) Further to section 4.15 of Appendix 4 of the Scope of Works and Technical Criteria, the Contractor must implement the mitigation methods and ecological monitoring methods detailed in in the Ecological Monitoring Program in:

(a) section 2,1;

(b) section 2,5;

(c) section 2.6;

(d) section 3.2 except for submission of reports to EPA;

(e) section 3.9; and

(f) Table 4.1 with respect to “Clearing Procedures”. (b) In addition, the Contractor must prepare the clearing report required by section 5 of the Ecological Monitoring Program.

MD.R201.D02.A

NOTE

NOTE

Post

FAUNA EXCLUSION FENCE

3 1

14 Gauge Tek screw( fixed to vertical postto prevent rotation )

Galvanized weather caps on all posts

twisted tightly together

400

mm

Ground Mesh

Fastening Pins

32 NB galvanized steel pipe

Strainer struts at fence angles

Fence line.

PLAN OF FENCE ANGLE

Strainer struts at fence angles

32 NB galvanized steel pipe

Varying L

engths

o

o

ELEVATION

FASTENING PIN DETAIL

GROUND MESH FIXING DETAIL

45

All dimensions are in millimetres unless otherwise shown.

GroundGroundGround6

00

90

0

90

0

25

Max. 4000 @ endsMax. 4000 between uprights

50

0

20

0

Pins @ 1000 c / c

11

67

60

0

10

00

11

67

Mesh to overhang min. 500

ROAD SIDE

100

min.

For loose or sandy soils

350 (min.) galvanised

fastening pins must be used

2 x 3.15 dia. wires

Fir

st I

ssued :

Ju

ly 2009

Galvanized steel

intermediate post 32 NM min.

(XL 350 structural grade pipe)

erected vertically

Cable ties at 350 (max.) intervals

See Sheet 3

For Footing Details

Galvanised steel

corner or strainer

post 50 NB min.

( XL 350 structural

grade pipe) - Erected

vertically

This side of fence to face the side of fauna habitat

20

0

7 Hot Dipped

Galvanized Steel Pin

Connect 2.5 mesh to

3.15 mesh @ 210 centres

and overlap

50 chain-link fencing fabric 2.5 dia. heavily

galvanized wire.( Knuckle / Knuckle mesh )

Min internal angle 135

Fix laps within

100 horizontally

both sides of the

post

50

TY

PIC

AL

3.15 dia. heavily galvanized wire

50 chain-link fencing fabric

( Knuckle / Knuckle mesh )

AMENDMENT DETAILS DATE

SCALE No. OF SHEETS SHEET No.

DRAWING NUMBER

Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW

N.T. S

MD.R201.D02.A

INTERMEDIATE POST AT LOW POINT

GENERAL

FAUNA PROTECTION DRAINAGE DETAILS

20%


3 2

All dimensions are in millimetres unless otherwise stated.

11

67

2.5 mesh to be pinned

over concrete drain.

1500

100 min.

NOTE

At drainage lines and gates light corrosion - resistant

metal flap to be installed with less than 50 gap.

Flap to be designed to suit hydraulic flows and drain

shape in stormwater flow paths.

Metal flap to be connected to fence on downstream side of fence.

90

060

0

Ground

Ground

Footing 900 x 200

( Applies where post RLs

vary by more than 800 )

Concrete Drain

FAUNA

HABITAT

SIDE

Metal Flap

60

0

Ground

Ground

Max. 4000 between uprights

Fasting pins @ 300 centres

Pins to be min. 300 x10 dia.

hot dip galvanized.

For vertical curve sags

intermediate post footing

increased to prevent uplift

ELEVATION

Fir

st I

ssued :

Ju

ly 2009

Posts set in 200 dia.

concrete footing

(See sheet 3 for details)



DRAWING NUMBER


N.T. S

Floppy top mesh

continuous lapped

( not Fixed )

4000 3000

Hinges to be installed on either

side to allow for correct

openingCable ties at 350 (max.) intervals

Galvanized steel

pipe 32 NM min.

(XL 350 structural

grade pipe)

32 NB galvanised

steel pipe strainer

struts at fence angles

Crank to be angled to allow

for opening of gate

(hinge side only)

3.15 dia. heavily galvanized wire

50 chain-link fencing fabric

( Knuckle / Knuckle mesh )

Locking

MD.R201.D02.A

50 NB Galv Post32 NB Galv Post

INTERMEDIATE POSTS FOOTING DETAILS AT LOW POINT

INTERMEDIATE POSTS FOOTING DETAILS


3 3

WITH GATE

All dimensions are in millimetres unless otherwise shown.

1167

50 NB pipe

( XL 350

structural grade

pipe)

50 NB pipe

( XL 350

structural grade

pipe)

Ground

20 d

om

ed c

oncre

te

20 d

om

ed c

oncre

te


concrete footing

60

0

Minimum

20 MPa

concrete.

Minimum

20 MPa

concrete.

90

0

90

0

90

09

00

32 NB Galv Post

20 d

om

ed c

oncre

te

Minimum

20 MPa

concrete.

90

0

100

min.


concrete footing


concrete footing


concrete footing


concrete footing

MAINTENANCE GATE DETAILS

Fir

st I

ssued :

Ju

ly 2009

Ground mesh not fixed

at upturn to gate structure

to allow for opening of gate

STRAINER & CORNERPOSTS FOOTING DETAILS

Chain



DRAWING NUMBER


N.T. S

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