Fremantle Port Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening Reclamation at Rous Head and Offshore Placement of Dredged Material

Transcription

1 Fremantle Port Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening Reclamation at Rous Head and Offshore Placement of Dredged Material Water Quality Monitoring Program January 2010

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3 P:\FremantlePorts\816_InnerHarbourDredgeMonitoring\006_PrepareWQMP\Reports\FP_IH_Water Quality Monitoring Program_Rev1_ docx Fremantle Port Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening Reclamation at Rous Head and Offshore Placement of Dredged Material Water Quality Monitoring Program Prepared for Fremantle Ports Prepared by Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd January 2010 Report No. 816_006/1

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5 Client: Fremantle Ports Revisions history Version Preliminary draft A Author R. De Roach R. De Roach 0 R. De Roach 1 R. De Roach M. Bailey DISTRIBUTION REVIEW Recipients No. Copies & Format Date Reviewer Date Office of EPA (Colin Murray), DEC 2 x hardcopy 11/12/09 M. Bailey 11/12/09 (Kevin McAlpine) Office of EPA (Colin Murray), SRT (Rachel 2 x hardcopy 21/12/09 M. Bailey 22/12/09 Spencer, Jeff Cosgrove) Office of EPA 1 x digital M. Bailey 24/12/09 (Colin copy, 24/12/09 Murray) 3 x hardcopy OEPA 30/12/09 Office of EPA Fremantle Ports Digital copies 2 x hardcopy EPA 20 x hardcopy FP 4 x hardcopy Oceanica 4/1/10 L. Banks OEPA 4/1/10 4/1/10 Status This report is Draft until the author and director have signed it off for final release. A Draft report should not be used for any purpose other than to be reviewed with the intention of generating a Final version. Approved for final release: Author Director Disclaimer This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Fremantle Ports, and is subject to and issued in accordance with the agreed terms and scope between Fremantle Ports and Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd. Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for it in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party. Copying this report without the permission of Fremantle Ports or Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd is not permitted. Cover Main image: View of Fremantle Port from the Swan River (Marianne Nyegaard); Minor images: Light logger deployed above seagrass, Cockburn Sound (Oceanica Consulting); Posidonia sinuosa with epiphytes, offshore of Rous Head (Oceanica Consulting). The Oceanica logo is a registered trade mark of Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd which is protected by law. You may not use this trade mark without first obtaining the permission of Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd. Copyright 2010 Oceanica Consulting Pty Ltd

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7 Contents 1. Introduction Scope of this WQMP Project Description Environmental Management Framework Relation to the Dredge Spoil and Disposal Management Plan Fremantle Ports Environmental Management System and Construction Contractor s Construction Environmental Management Plans Environmental Values and Objectives Monitoring Sites Water Quality Overlying Seagrass and Coral Return Water Plume Inner Harbour Dredge Plume Offshore Dredge and Disposal Plume Recreation and Aesthetic Water Quality Inner Harbour and Rous Head Water, Sentinel Mussel and Sediment Quality Provision of monitoring site coordinates Environmental Quality Indicators and Targets Water Quality Ecosystem Health (EQO1: Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity) Recreational and Aesthetic Values (EQOs 3 to 5: Maintenance of primary and secondary contact recreation values and aesthetic values) Sentinel Mussel Quality Fishing and Aquaculture Values (EQO 2: Maintenance of aquatic life for human consumption) Sediment Quality Ecosystem Health (EQO1: Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity) Limits of Reporting Monitoring Process, Schedule and Contingency Management Measures Water Quality Ecosystem Health Values Recreational and Aesthetic Values Sentinel Mussel Quality Fishing and Aquaculture Values (Seafood Safe to Eat) surrounding the Inner Harbour and Rous Head Sediment Quality Ecosystem Health Surrounding the Inner Harbour and Rous Head Compliance Reporting Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program i

8 7. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Field Sampling Recording of Field Procedures Non-collection of Field Data Maintenance and Calibration of Field Equipment Sample Tracking Sample Blanks Duplicates and Replicates Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Laboratory Procedures Traceability of Results Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Data Management Data Management Systems Data Entry Protocols Responsibility for Data Management Metadata Archive and Back-up Data References ii Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

9 List of Tables Table 1.1 Key elements of the Project... 1 Table 2.1 Perth s Coastal Waters Environmental Values (EVs) and Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs) (EPA 2000, 2009)... 3 Table 3.1 Matrix of BPPH management zones vs. seagrass and coral monitoring sites... 5 Table 3.2 Matrix of Inner Harbour and Rous Head monitoring locations vs. type of monitoring conducted at each location... 6 Table 4.1 Water Quality Triggers for each Level of Management Response within the Zone of Influence (ZoI) and Zone of Effect (ZoE) Table 4.2 Depth-specific Light Attenuation Coefficient (LAC; m -1 ) Water Quality Trigger Values based on 10% Minimum Light Requirement (MLR) for Seagrasses Table 4.3 Depth-specific Light Attenuation Coefficient (LAC; m -1 ) Water Quality Trigger Values based on 20% Minimum Light Requirement (MLR) for Corals Table 4.4 Physico-chemical water quality - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.1) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1) Table 4.5 Toxicants in water - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.1) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1) Table 4.6 Toxicants in mussel tissue - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.2) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1) Table 4.7 Toxicants in sediment - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.3) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1) List of Figures Figure 2.1 Moderate Ecological Protection Areas (MEPAs; E3) in relation to the proposed dredging, disposal and reclamation areas. The marine waters outside of the moderate ecological protection areas are classified as High Ecological Protection Areas (HEPA; E2) (EPA 2000). The estuarine waters upstream of the Inner Harbour MEPA are not encompassed by the EPA (2000) classification, but will be managed as a MEPA for this Project Figure 3.1 Environmental monitoring sites (as described in Section 3) Figure 3.2 Inner Harbour and Rous Head environmental monitoring sites (as described in Section 3)... 9 Appendix A Ministerial Statement No. 801 List of Appendices Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program iii

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11 1. Introduction 1.1. Scope of this WQMP This Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) has been prepared for Fremantle Ports Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening Project (the Project ), in accordance with Condition 6 of Ministerial Statement 801 Marine Water and Sediment Quality (W.A. Minister for Environment, 18 th August 2009; Appendix A) and will be implemented to: 1. Achieve the environmental quality objectives (EQOs) for the protection of Projectrelevant Environmental Values (EVs), as defined in Perth s Coastal Waters: Environmental Values and Objectives (EPA 2000) and also applied to the Swan River Estuary (Section 2); 2. Provide a map defining the levels of Ecological Protection that will apply for the duration of Project implementation (Section 2); 3. Provide environmental quality indicators and associated trigger levels or targets, based on ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000a) and EPA (2005a) (amongst other relevant guideline reference sources), for assessing the performance of managing discharges to meet relevant EQOs (Section 4); 4. Specify appropriate management and mitigation measures to be applied if monitoring demonstrates that the environmental quality trigger levels are exceeded (Section 5); and, 5. Employ protocols and schedules for reporting performance against the EQOs using the environmental quality trigger levels for discharges (Sections 3 to 7) Project Description The Project involves the dredging of approximately 3.1 million m 3 of consolidated and unconsolidated material and its disposal at an offshore spoil disposal area (Gage Roads) or its reuse in land reclamation at Rous Head. Dredging will be undertaken to deepen the Deep Water Channel, Entrance Channel and Inner Harbour (Figure 2.1) to allow 14 m draft ships to utilise the Fremantle Inner Harbour. An area of seabed at Rous Head will also be reclaimed using dredged material (Figure 2.1). A combination of a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge (TSHD) and a Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD) will be used. The key elements of the Project are provided in Table 1.1. For a full description of the Project, including a detailed Project schedule, please refer to the Dredge Spoil and Disposal Management Plan (DSDMP, Fremantle Ports, 2009). Table 1.1 Key elements of the Project Component Description Construction of a seawall around the 20 weeks (prior to the dredging programme). This component of reclamation area the works will be managed under the CEMP and therefore is only made reference to in the DSDMP and is not considered further. Duration of Dredging 26 weeks. Deepening of Fremantle Port Inner Harbour Dredging to a declared depth of RL m Low Water Mark Fremantle (LWMF); Removal of approximately 0.9 million m 3 of dredged material. Deepening of the Entrance Channel Dredging to declared depths between RL m and RL m (LWMF); Removal of approximately 1.1 million m 3 of dredged material. Deepening of Deep Water Channel Dredging to declared depths between RL m and RL m (LWMF) within an area up to 169 ha; Removal of approximately 1.1 million m 3 of dredge material. Rous Head Reclamation Area Placement of approximately 1.6 million m 3 dredged material for reclamation of an area of 27 ha of seabed (Stage 3); Construction of a protective seawall 1000 m long. Proposed Offshore Spoil Disposal area Placement of approximately 1.5 million m 3 of dredged material within an area of approximately 150 ha (1.5 km 2 ) located north of Gage Roads. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 1

12 1.3. Environmental Management Framework Relation to the Dredge Spoil and Disposal Management Plan This WQMP is a distinct component of the DSDMP (Fremantle Ports, 2009) which has been prepared for this Project. The DSDMP defines the following management strategies to manage the potential impacts of the Project identified in the Public Environmental Review (PER): Management Strategy 1 Water Quality, Sedimentation and Indirect Impacts to Benthic Primary Producer Habitat (BPPH); Management Strategy 2 Direct Impacts to BPPH; Management Strategy 3 Marine Fauna; Management Strategy 4 Introduced Marine Pests; Management Strategy 5 PASS Material and Contaminated Sediments; Management Strategy 6 Hydrocarbon and Chemical Spills; and, Management Strategy 7 Shoreline Stability. This WQMP further defines the monitoring program, contingency management measures and reporting requirements of Management Strategies 1 and 5 above, focussing on water, seafood (mussel) and sediment quality. The DSDMP should be referred to for definition of other monitoring actions and management measures that are relevant to: (i) the direct assessment of BPPH health and loss (including both indirect and direct impacts to seagrass, coral and macroalgae), as relevant to Management Strategies 1 and 2, and (ii) Management Strategies 3, 4, 6 and Fremantle Ports Environmental Management System and Construction Contractor s Construction Environmental Management Plans Other potential environmental impacts that fall outside the DSDMP implementation requirements shall be managed under Fremantle Ports existing Environmental Management System (EMS) and the contractor s Project Environmental Plan (PEP; Boskalis, 2009). 2 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

13 2. Environmental Values and Objectives As applicable to Fremantle Ports Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening Project and listed in Table 2.1 below, four Environmental Values (EVs) have been identified as relevant to Perth s coastal waters, together with six Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs) or management goals to protect those values (EPA 2000, 2009), and will also be applied to the Swan River Estuary. Table 2.1 Perth s Coastal Waters Environmental Values (EVs) and Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs) (EPA 2000, 2009) Environmental Value (EV) Ecosystem Health Fishing and Aquaculture Recreation and Aesthetics Industrial Water Supply* Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs) EQO1: Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity Ecosystem integrity, considered in terms of structure and function, will be maintained throughout Perth s coastal waters. The level of protection of ecosystem integrity shall be high (E2) throughout Perth s coastal waters, except in areas designated E3 (moderate protection) and E4 (low protection). EQO2: Maintenance of Aquatic life for human consumption Seafood will be safe for human consumption when collected or grown in all of Perth s coastal waters except areas designated S2. EQO3: Maintenance of primary contact recreation values Primary contact recreation (e.g. Swimming) is safe in all of Perth s coastal waters except areas designated S3. EQO4: Maintenance of secondary contact recreation values Secondary contact recreation (e.g. Boating) is safe in all of Perth s coastal waters except areas designated S4. EQO5: Maintenance of aesthetic values The aesthetic values of Perth s coastal waters will be protected except in those areas designated S5. EQO6: Maintenance of industrial water supply values Perth s coastal waters will be of suitable quality for industrial water supply purposes except in areas designated S6. * - No industrial water supply uses are known to occur within the immediate vicinity of project activities. Management of water quality for EQO1 will also address EQO6. With respect to spatial definition of the designated areas described in Table 2.1 (i.e. E2 to E4 - areas with defined levels of ecological protection; S2 to S6 areas and exclusion zones with defined social values), the only relevant areas in proximity to the proposed project area are the Moderate Ecological Protection Areas (MEPAs; E3) and High Ecological Protection Area (HEPA; E2) shown in Figure 2.1. In addition, a temporary MEPA of 75 m radius surrounding the point of return water discharge from the reclamation area will be enacted for the duration of the Project implementation, also shown in Figure 2.1. Upon completion of the dredging campaign, the temporary MEPA will revert to a HEPA classification. The estuarine waters upstream of the Inner Harbour MEPA are not encompassed by the EPA (2000) classification, but will be managed as a MEPA for this Project. In the absence of formal classification of the appropriate level of protection for Swan River estuarine waters, the EPA (2005a) approach has been followed, whereby the waters along the eastern margin of Cockburn Sound were designated as being highly disturbed and having a moderate level of ecosystem protection. This area of the Swan River contains yacht clubs, boating facilties and has a history of industrial contamination and human disturbance and therefore for the purposes of this WQMP, values will be compared to those triggers for a moderate level of ecological protection (MEPA). Exceedances of these MEPA triggers will then instigate further investigation. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 3

14 Figure 2.1 Moderate Ecological Protection Areas (MEPAs; E3) in relation to the proposed dredging, disposal and reclamation areas. The marine waters outside of the moderate ecological protection areas are classified as High Ecological Protection Areas (HEPA; E2) (EPA 2000). The estuarine waters upstream of the Inner Harbour MEPA are not encompassed by the EPA (2000) classification, but will be managed as a MEPA for this Project. 4 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

15 3. Monitoring Sites 3.1. Water Quality Overlying Seagrass and Coral Sites to monitor water quality overlying seagrass and coral have been located in BPPH management zones in each of five regions, as well as at reference sites (Figure 3.1). These regions are: The Deep Water Channel; The Offshore Disposal Area; Rous Head and north of the Harbour Entrance; South of the Harbour Entrance; and Hall Bank corals. As described in the DSDMP (Fremantle Ports, 2009), the monitoring site locations are based on BPPH management zones defined by modelling of seagrass and coral minimum light requirements. The management zones shown in Figure 3.1 are: Zone of Loss (ZoL - < 30% minimum light requirement); Zone of Effect (ZoE - 30 to 100% minimum light requirement); and Zone of Influence (ZoI total suspended solids (TSS) 2 mg/l above background for any 3 hour duration throughout the dredging period). The locations of water quality monitoring sites overlying seagrass shown in Figure 3.1 are based on habitat mapping that was ground-truthed in December 2009 (Oceanica, unpublished), as per the matrix of regions vs. management zones shown in Table 3.1 (and rationale described in the DSDMP). The locations of water quality monitoring sites overlying corals shown in Figure 3.1 are at the northern and western sections of Hall Bank. The two sites overlie coral communities of similar benthic cover, species composition and depth distribution. There are no known reference sites for Hall Bank corals in the Perth metropolitan region. Table 3.1 Matrix of BPPH management zones vs. seagrass and coral monitoring sites Region Zone of Loss Zone of Effect Zone of Influence Reference Total Seagrass Sites Deep Water Channel - 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites 6 Offshore Disposal Area - 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites 6 Rous Head and north of the Harbour Entrance 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites* 8 South of the Harbour - 2 sites 2 sites 2 sites* 6 Entrance Total 26 Coral Sites Hall Bank Corals sites - 2 Total 2 * Note that these reference sites as shown in Figure 3.1 are within the Zone of Influence; however, it is not anticipated that these sites will be impacted by the dredge plume. In the unlikely event that one of these reference sites shows any influence from dredging (e.g. via aerial observations and comparison to other reference sites), then it shall be relocated Return Water Plume Water samples will be taken at six monitoring sites along a plume transect at increasing distance from the return water outlet / weir box, with an example shown in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2. The transect will follow the approximate trajectory of the plume and therefore Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 5

16 will be dynamic. One site will incorporate taking sample water from the weir box itself - this will only occur if there is safe access to the site. Three samples will occur along the plume trajectory at distances of 10 m, 200 m and 500 m beyond the silt curtain. The fifth and sixth sites will be reference sites and located at the Cottesloe Reef Fish Habitat Protection Area (Figure 3.1) Inner Harbour Dredge Plume Samples will be taken at four monitoring sites along a plume transect at increasing distance from the dredge head while it is operational within the Inner Harbour, with an example shown in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2. The transect will follow the approximate trajectory of the plume and therefore will be dynamic. Four samples will occur along the plume trajectory at distances of 10 m, 50 m, 100 m and 500 m from the dredge head. An additional (fifth) at source water sample will be taken from the dredge tailings slurry, prior to deposition within the reclamation area Offshore Dredge and Disposal Plume Water samples will be taken at four monitoring sites along a plume transect at increasing distance from either (i) the dredge head while it is operational within Deep Water Channel or (ii) the local site of offshore disposal, with an example shown in Figure 3.1. The transect will follow the approximate trajectory of the plume and therefore will be dynamic. Four samples will occur along the plume trajectory at distances of 10 m, 50 m, 100 m and 500 m from either the dredge head or local site of offshore disposal Recreation and Aesthetic Water Quality As depicted in Figure 3.1, six monitoring locations have been located in the vicinity of proximal public beaches, for contingency water quality sampling to determine potential impacts on recreational and aesthetic values: Port Beach ( Sandtracks surf break); Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club; Cottesloe Beach; Bather s Beach; South Beach; and, Preston Point Beach (in the Lower Swan River) Inner Harbour and Rous Head Water, Sentinel Mussel and Sediment Quality A total of six locations surrounding the Inner Harbour and Rous Head will be utilised for water quality monitoring (3 locations), sentinel mussel quality monitoring (all 6 locations) and sediment quality monitoring (5 locations), as depicted in Figure 3.1, Figure 3.2 and Table 3.2. Table 3.2 Matrix of Inner Harbour and Rous Head monitoring locations vs. type of monitoring conducted at each location Type of Monitoring Rocky Bay (RB) Fremantle Port Site 1 (FP1)** Monitoring Location Fremantle Port Site 7 (FP7)** Rous Head Harbour Site 2 (RH2)** Rous Head Site 3 (RH3)** Mussel Reference (MR) Water Quality * * * Sentinel Mussel Quality Sediment Quality * To be monitored by the Department of Water, with information made available to Fremantle Ports. ** Sites established for Fremantle Ports existing operational Marine Quality Management Program (MQMP). 6 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

17 3.7. Provision of monitoring site coordinates Monitoring site coordinates will be provided electronically to the Office of the EPA, as and when they become available throughout the Project. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 7

18 Figure 3.1 Environmental monitoring sites (as described in Section 3). 8 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

19 Figure 3.2 Inner Harbour and Rous Head environmental monitoring sites (as described in Section 3) Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 9

20 4. Environmental Quality Indicators and Targets 4.1. Water Quality Ecosystem Health (EQO1: Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity) Light requirements for Seagrass and Coral Health Water quality triggers will be based on light attenuation in the water column, related to the minimum light requirements (MLR) of seagrass and corals, as described in the DSDMP (Fremantle Ports, 2009). Specifically, the Light Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), a measure of the attenuation of light with depth through the water column, will be assessed against trigger values that are specific to depth, habitat (seagrass or corals) and BPPH management zones. The higher the LAC, the less light that can penetrate the water column to reach photosynthesising BPP, such as seagrass and corals. Water quality triggers for each level of management response (see Section Seagrass and Coral Health) are based on a stepwise percentage increase above the LAC that was used to determine the inner boundary of the BPPH management zone being monitored. The predicted Zone of Loss (ZoL) is not included in management response, since any BPPH within the ZoL is assumed to be lost through physical disturbance (within the dredging and disposal footprints) or high turbidity and sedimentation immediately adjacent to Project activities. Table 4.1 presents the triggers developed during the environmental impact assessment (Fremantle Ports, 2009) for each management response level (Levels 1-4) with example LAC trigger levels for a hypothetical monitoring site within a seagrass community at 10 m depth. Actual trigger values to be applied at monitoring sites within the ZoI or ZoE have been calculated for one metre depth intervals for: 1. Seagrass sites: based on a 10% MLR of the most sensitive species (Posidonia sinuosa) (Table 4.2); and 2. Coral sites: based on a 20% MLR - the light requirements obtained from the literature for coral taxa present at Hall Bank (Cooper, et al., 2007) (Table 4.3). Further rationale regarding the development and application of LAC trigger values is provided within the DSDMP (Fremantle Ports 2009). Table 4.1 Water Quality Triggers for each Level of Management Response within the Zone of Influence (ZoI) and Zone of Effect (ZoE) Management Response Level Trigger Example LAC trigger levels (for a seagrass site at 10m depth) ZoI ZoE ZoI ZoE No Exceedance LAC<trigger LAC<trigger LAC<0.100 LAC<0.100 Level 1 LAC>trigger LAC>trigger LAC>0.100 LAC>0.100 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 LAC>trigger for >21 days LAC>trigger for >4 wks LAC>trigger for >6 wks LAC 30% higher than trigger LAC 40% higher than trigger LAC 50% higher than trigger LAC>0.100 for >21 days LAC>0.100 for >4 wks LAC>0.100 for >6 wks LAC>0.130 LAC>0.140 LAC> Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

21 Table 4.2 Depth-specific Light Attenuation Coefficient (LAC; m -1 ) Water Quality Trigger Values based on 10% Minimum Light Requirement (MLR) for Seagrasses Water Depth (m) Zone of Influence LAC trigger based on MLR Threshold Zone of Effect LAC triggers based on % increase 30% 40% 50% Table 4.3 Depth-specific Light Attenuation Coefficient (LAC; m -1 ) Water Quality Trigger Values based on 20% Minimum Light Requirement (MLR) for Corals Water Depth (m) Zone of Influence LAC trigger based on MLR Threshold Zone of Effect LAC triggers based on % increase 30% 40% 50% Physico-chemical water quality indicators Water quality triggers for physico-chemical parameters, specifically dissolved oxygen and ph, adopted as indicators of ecosystem health within MEPAs and HEPAs, are based on environmental quality criteria developed within the Environmental Quality Criteria Reference Document for Cockburn Sound (EPA 2005a), as shown in Table 4.4. Toxicants in water Water quality triggers for toxicants including metals, organotins, organochlorine pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, adopted as indicators of ecosystem health values within MEPAs and HEPAs, as shown in Table 4.5, are based on a combination of: 99% species protection values for HEPAs (except cobalt which is 95% species protection), and 90% species protection values for MEPAs, as defined by Table Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 11

22 of the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000a) Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (as agreed with the DEC in previous correspondence); and for other chemicals not listed within the above, Low Reliability Values (LRVs) defined in Chapter 8 of ANZECC / ARMCANZ (2000a) and Table 2c of EPA (2005a) Recreational and Aesthetic Values (EQOs 3 to 5: Maintenance of primary and secondary contact recreation values and aesthetic values) Toxicants at primary contact areas Water quality triggers for toxicants including metals, organotins, organochlorine (OC) pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), adopted to protect recreational values within primary contact areas, as shown in Table 4.5, are based on the approach defined by the NHMRC (2008) Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Waters: The quantitative risk assessment should consider the expected exposure in terms both of dose (i.e. Is there significant ingestion? ) and of frequency of exposure. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC/NRMMC 2004) provide a point of reference for exposure through ingestion but with a few exceptions these relate to significant lifetime exposure. Mance et al (1984) suggested that environmental quality standards for chemicals in recreational waters should be based on the assumption that recreational water makes only a relatively minor contribution to intake. They assumed a contribution for swimming of an equivalent to 10% of drinking water consumption. Since most authorities (including WHO) assume consumption of 2 litres of drinking water per day, this would result in an intake of 200 ml per day from recreational contact with water (WHO 2003). This provides for a simple screening approach in which a substance occurring in recreational water at a concentration of 10 times that stipulated in the drinking water guidelines may merit further consideration. Water ph in Primary and Secondary Contact Areas The water quality guideline trigger for ph has been adopted from Tables 6 and 7 of Environmental Quality Criteria Reference Document for Cockburn Sound (EPA 2005a), which state the same Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for either primary or secondary contact recreation: The median of the sample concentrations from the area of concern (either from one sampling run or from a single site over an agreed period of time) should not exceed the range of 5 9 ph units. Water clarity and aesthetics of Primary Contact Areas The guideline trigger for water clarity has been adopted from Table 6 of Environmental Quality Criteria Reference Document for Cockburn Sound (EPA 2005a), which states the following Environmental Quality Guideline (EQG) for primary contact recreation: To protect the visual clarity of waters used for swimming, the horizontal sighting of a 200 mm diameter black (Secchi) disc should exceed 1.6 m. This trigger has also been adopted as a surrogate target to manage potential impacts on the aesthetic values of waters in areas of primary contact. Community perceptions of what constitutes aesthetic values that should be maintained will also prompt management, e.g. based on aerial imagery and public complaints. 12 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

23 4.2. Sentinel Mussel Quality Fishing and Aquaculture Values (EQO 2: Maintenance of aquatic life for human consumption) Seafood Safe to Eat around the Inner Harbour and Rous Head Triggers for the concentration of toxicants in seafood (mussels) including metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAHs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), adopted to protect fishing and aquaculture values, as shown in Table 4.6, are based on the guidance and EQCs of: The Western Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Programme (DoF 2007); and The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ, 2009), specifically as defined under Standard Contaminants and Natural Toxicants and Standard Maximum Residue Limits (Australia Only). These triggers have also been adopted as surrogate targets to manage potential impacts on non-human higher order consumers of seafood (e.g. dolphins) Sediment Quality Ecosystem Health (EQO1: Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity) Ecosystem Health surrounding the Inner Harbour and Rous Head Triggers for sediment concentrations of toxicants including metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAHs and PCBs, adopted to manage ecosystem health values in HEPAs and MEPAs, as shown in Table 4.7, are based on the ISQG-low guideline triggers defined by Table of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000a) Limits of Reporting Note that the laboratory limits of reporting are below guideline trigger levels for all parameters of concern identified during the assessment process. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 13

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25 Table 4.4 Physico-chemical water quality - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.1) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1). Indicator Environmental Value Target / Trigger Level Detection Limit Inner Harbour Dredge Plume Return Water Plume Offshore Dredge and Disposal Plume Recreation and Aesthetic Sites Seagrass Health Sites Coral Health Sites TSS - Contextual information / Validation of plume modelling 0.5 mg/l Water, Mussel, and Sediment Quality Sites NTU - Contextual information 1.5 NTU Secchi Depth LAC Primary contact recreation and aesthetics Ecosystem health (seagrass & coral) >1.6 m (EPA 2005) 0.1 m * - Public access restricted* Site-specific LAC triggers based on MLRs as defined in DSDMP Temperature - Contextual info (to be compared against regional temperature signals) DO (% saturation) Ecosystem health EQG for high and moderate protection areas, i.e. >90% and >80% saturation, respectively. DO never< 60%saturation (EPA 2005) ph Ecosystem health EQG for high and moderate protection areas, i.e. ±0.2 ph units (from ref sites) (EPA 2005) ph Primary & secondary contact recreation EQS from EPA (2005) 5 9 ph units * - Public access restricted* * - Public access restricted* * 0.01 log 10 / m * - RB only 0.1 C 1% saturation 0.1 ph units 0.1 ph units Salinity - Contextual info 0.1 ppt TN - Contextual info 50 µgn/l TP - Contextual info 5 µg P/L * - Monitored for contextual information only, no applicable target or trigger level. - Monitored at three sites only (RB, FP1, FP7; see Figure 3.2). Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 15

26 Table 4.5 Toxicants in water - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.1) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1). Indicator Ecosystem Health Trigger Levels Primary Contact Recreation Trigger Levels Detection limit Inner Harbour Dredge Plume Return Water Plume Recreation and Aesthetic Sites Metals High Ecological Protection (µg/l) Moderate Ecological Protection (µg/l) µg/l µg/l Ecosystem health Ecosystem health Primary contact recreation Arsenic III 2.3 # N/A N/A 1 Arsenic V 4.5 # N/A N/A 1 Arsenic (total) N/A N/A Cadmium Cobalt 1 14 N/A 1 Chromium III N/A 5 Chromium VI ** Total Chromium N/A N/A N/A 2 Copper ,000 1** Lead Mercury Nickel Silver Vanadium N/A 1 Zinc 7 23 N/A 2 Organotins Tributyltin * 0.02 N/A 0.002** Dibutyltin N/A N/A N/A Monobutyltin N/A N/A N/A Organochlorine Pesticides Aldrin # N/A N/A Dieldrin 0.01 # N/A N/A Aldrin + Dieldrin N/A N/A Endrin 0.004* 0.01 N/A Endosulfan 0.005* trans-chlordane # N/A ** cis-chlordane # N/A ** Oxychlordane # N/A ** p,p-dde # N/A N/A p,p-ddt # N/A Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Naphthalene 50* 90 N/A 0.01 Phenanthrene 0.6 # 4 # N/A 0.01 Anthracene 0.01 # 1.5 # N/A 0.01 Fluoranthene N/A 0.01 Benzo(a)pyrene # - Based on Low Reliability Values (LRVs) - Action is not mandatory if LRVs are exceeded, but regulators and management agencies should be advised and consideration given to developing strategies that will ensure environmental impacts are avoided (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000a; EPA 2005a). * - 99% species protection value utilised (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000a). ** - Detection limit higher than trigger level. 16 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

27 Table 4.6 Toxicants in mussel tissue - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.2) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1). Indicator Trigger levels (to protect fishing & aquaculture values) Detection Limit Metals mg/kg wet weight mussel tissue mg/kg wet weight mussel tissue Water, Mussel, and Sediment Quality Sites Arsenic (inorganic) 1.0** Cadmium 2.0** Chromium N/A Copper 30*** Lead 2.0** Mercury 0.5** Nickel N/A Silver N/A 0.01 Zinc 290*** Organotins Tributyltin N/A Dibutyltin N/A Monobutyltin N/A Organochlorine Pesticides ppb mg/kg wet weight mussel tissue Aldrin 0.1**** 0.01 Dieldrin 0.1**** 0.01 gamma-bhc (Lindane) 1**** 0.01 alpha-bhc 0.01**** 0.01 beta-bhc 0.01**** 0.01 delta-bhc 0.01**** 0.01 trans-chlordane 0.05**** 0.01 cis-chlordane 0.05**** 0.01 Oxychlordane 0.05**** 0.01 p,p-dde 1**** 0.01 p,p-ddd 1**** 0.01 p,p-ddt 1**** 0.01 HCB 0.1**** 0.01 Heptachlor 0.05**** 0.01 Heptachlor epoxide 0.05**** 0.01 Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Aromatic mg/kg wet weight mussel tissue Naphthalene N/A 0.01 Phenanthrene N/A 0.01 Anthracene N/A 0.01 Fluoranthene N/A 0.01 Benzo(a)pyrene N/A 0.01 Polychlorinated Biphenyls mg/kg wet weight mussel tissue Total PCBs 0.5 in fish Reported for information, but no management actions are directly triggered, since there are no guideline values. ** - Maximum Level for metals in molluscs (FSANZ 2009) *** - Generally Expected Levels [90th-percentile] for metals in molluscs (FSANZ 2009) **** - Extraneous Residue Limit (ERL) Molluscs & Fish (FSANZ 2009) Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 17

28 Table 4.7 Toxicants in sediment - indicators, trigger levels (where applicable; see Section 4.3) and areas of application (cross-reference with Figure 3.1). Indicator Ecosystem Health Trigger Levels Detection Limit Water, Mussel, and Sediment Quality Sites Metals mg/kg dry weight mg/kg dry weight Ecosystem Health Arsenic Cadmium Chromium Copper Lead Mercury Nickel Silver Zinc Organotins µg Sn / kg dry wt µg Sn / kg dry wt Tributyltin Dibutyltin N/A 0.05 Monobutyltin N/A 0.05 Organochlorine Pesticides µg/kg dry weight µg/kg dry weight Dieldrin * Endrin * gamma-bhc (Lindane) * trans-chlordane 0.5 1* cis-chlordane 0.5 1* Oxychlordane 0.5 1* Heptachlor N/A 1 p,p-dde p,p-ddd 2 1 p,p-ddt Total DDT+DDD+DDE N/A 1 Total Organochlorine Pesticides N/A 1 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons µg/kg dry weight µg/kg dry weight Naphthalene Acenaphthylene Acenaphthene Fluorene Phenanthrene Anthracene Total Low Weight PAHs Fluoranthene Pyrene Benz(a)anthracene Chrysene Benzo(a)pyrene Dibenz(ah)anthracene Total High Weight PAHs Total PAHs Polychlorinated Biphenyls µg/kg dry weight Total PCBs Reported for information, but no management actions are directly triggered, since there are no guideline values. * - Detection limit higher than trigger level. 18 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

29 5. Monitoring Process, Schedule and Contingency Management Measures 5.1. Water Quality Water quality monitoring and management response triggers provide a mechanism to manage impacts to environmental, recreational and aesthetic values associated with water quality and provide an early warning of potential impacts Ecosystem Health Values LAC monitoring for Seagrass and Coral Health Frequency Continuous logging (every 15 minutes) of light starting one week prior to dredging (baseline) and then until completion of dredging and disposal. Recorded light data will be downloaded from loggers each fortnight. Location Twenty-six locations overlying seagrass and two locations overlying coral (plus one site in Rocky Bay for contextual purposes) as detailed in Sections 3.1, 3.6 and Figure 3.1. Monitoring will be targeted and focussed on data collection at those sites within proximity of the visible plume/s (as based on field observation and aerial imagery), which technically defines the potential zone of influence, plus associated reference sites. That is, not all sites will be sampled for the full duration of the dredge program and when dredging, only those sites within the proximity of the visible dredge, disposal and/or return water plumes will be sampled, plus associated reference sites. Method Calculate LAC from underwater light intensity measured by two light loggers deployed at each location with at least 2 m of vertical separation. LAC will be processed for each location (within 72 hours from collection of all light loggers) and presented as a 14-day rolling median. For contextual purposes TSS concentration will also be determined at each location by collection of a single integrated-depth water sample, sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis of the concentration and determination of the organic component via loss on ignition (LOI). For contextual purposes a profile of turbidity (NTU) will also be measured at each location. For contextual purposes, temperature loggers will be deployed at both coral monitoring sites, for fortnightly download. Median LAC will be compared to LAC triggers described in Section Light requirements for Seagrass and Coral Health, to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures No exceedance Where LAC is determined to be below No exceedance trigger levels at seagrass and coral health monitoring sites, the lack of exceedance will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA. Regional exceedance Where LAC is determined to be above the No exceedance trigger levels at seagrass and coral health monitoring sites, exceedances in the first instance will be investigated to determine whether the dredging and spoil disposal activities were responsible (wholly or in part) for observed elevations of turbidity. Investigations of possible causes will examine: o o Whether any similar trends were observed at reference sites; The location of the dredging and spoil disposal activities in relation to the affected site(s); Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 19

30 o The extent and position of the visible dredge plume in relation to the affected site(s); o The weather conditions, sea state and tides at the time of the exceedance; and, o The spatial distribution of affected sites in relation to unaffected sites and the position of the dredge. In the event that it is considered that dredging or spoil disposal has not contributed to the exceedance/s, then the exceedance/s, together with reasons as to why the dredging or spoil disposal were not responsible, will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA. In the event that it is considered that dredging or spoil disposal has contributed to the exceedance, the following management and monitoring strategies will be implemented, related to each level of exceedance and management response. Level 1 Management Response: Where LAC is determined to be above the No exceedance trigger levels, but below Level 2 trigger levels, then the exceedance will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; The exceedance will be investigated and management strategies will be developed (e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to lower flow rate of return water) to be implemented if Level 2 triggers are exceeded; and, Coral/seagrass monitoring teams will be informed of the exceedance and the potential need for upcoming monitoring. Level 2 Management Response: Where LAC is determined to be above the Level 2 trigger levels, but below Level 3 trigger levels, then the exceedance will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; The exceedance will be investigated and management strategies will be developed (e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to lower flow rate of return water) to be implemented as soon as practically possible if water quality does not improve; Where LAC is determined to be above the Level 2 trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of LAC data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. LAC monitoring and dredge and disposal activities shall continue; and Coral/seagrass monitoring teams will be informed of the exceedance and the potential need for upcoming monitoring. Level 3 Management Response: Where LAC is determined to be above the Level 3 trigger levels, but below Level 4 trigger levels, then the exceedance will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; The exceedance will be investigated and management strategies will be developed (e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to lower flow rate of return water) to be implemented as soon as practically possible, if water quality does not improve; Where LAC is determined to be above the Level 3 trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of LAC data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. LAC monitoring and dredge and disposal activities shall continue; and, 20 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

31 Coral/seagrass monitoring teams will be informed of the exceedance and the potential need for upcoming monitoring. Level 4 Management Response: Where LAC is determined to be above the Level 4 trigger levels, then the exceedance will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; The exceedance will be investigated and management strategies will be developed (e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to lower flow rate of return water) to be implemented if water quality does not improve; Where LAC is determined to be above the Level 4 trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of LAC data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. Coral or seagrass monitoring in the region of the water quality exceedance shall commence within 2 weeks of the exceedance, as described in the DSDMP (Fremantle Ports 2009); and, Subsequent management measures shall be in accordance with the seagrass and/or coral health contingency monitoring and management plan described in the DSDMP (Fremantle Ports 2009). Toxicants within Inner Harbour Dredge Plume Frequency Baseline prior to dredging, then weekly for the duration of dredging of the 300,000 m 3 potentially contaminated sediment within the Inner Harbour and then one sampling occasion one week after dredging of the potentially contaminated sediment. Location Four dynamic transect sites within the Inner Harbour dredge plume (at distances 10 m, 50m, 100 m and 500 m from dredge head) as detailed in Section 3.3, Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2 (N.B. mock sites at the same distances of separation along a transect within the Inner Harbour, at a random location overlying the footprint of potentially contaminated sediment, shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to dredging of that sediment, if the dredge has moved out of the Inner Harbour). Method Collect a single integrated-depth water sample from each location, every week. Store chilled and send samples to a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for analyses of the concentration of toxicant analytes listed in Table 4.5 (metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAH). Toxicant concentration data shall be processed (within 5 days of laboratory receipt samples) and compared against moderate protection triggers where available and listed in Table 4.5, to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of toxicant data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 21

32 If water quality does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing environmental risk, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o Where relevant to each particular analyte for which an exceedance has occurred, further testing of water samples may be conducted to ascertain the bioavailable fraction or potential ecotoxicity of the analyte, for comparison with relevant guidelines as per ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000a), EPA (2005a) and/or appropriate alternate guidance. o The cause of any exceedance shall be investigated and the spatial extent of exceedance estimated, including: water quality sampling at an increased frequency; water quality monitoring for toxicants at additional sites with crossreference to aerial imagery depicting plume extent at the time of exceedance; and the potential for vertical stratification of toxicant concentration within the lower Swan River estuary, i.e. sampling of surface and bottom waters). o The volume of contaminated material remaining to be dredged shall be characterised. o The dredge program may be re-designed to better mix contaminated with uncontaminated material. o Dredging shall be re-located from the contaminated area, until a sediment removal and remediation plan is in place, in agreement with the Office of the EPA. Toxicants within Return Water Plume Frequency Baseline prior to discharge of reclamation water, then weekly during return water discharge, and one week thereafter or until water quality meets HEPA criteria. Location Six sites including one site within the reclamation pond, one site within the weir box, three dynamic transect sites within the return water plume (at distances 10 m, 200 m and 500 m from silt curtain) and two static reference sites within the Cottesloe Reef Fish Habitat Protection Area, as shown in Figure 3.1 (N.B. mock sites at the same distances of separation along a transect offshore of the return water discharge outlet / weir box, shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to conclusion of return water discharge). Method Collect a single integrated-depth water sample from each location, every week. Store chilled and send samples to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analyses of the concentration of toxicant analytes listed in Table 4.5 (metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAH). Toxicant concentration data shall be processed (within 5 days of laboratory receipt samples during dredging and reclamation of the 300,000 m 3 of potentially contaminated sediment; within 10 days thereafter) and compared against moderate and high protection triggers as applicable and where available and listed in Table 4.5, to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of toxicant data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; 22 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

33 If water quality does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing environmental risk, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o Where relevant to each particular analyte for which an exceedance has occurred, further testing of water samples may be conducted to ascertain the bioavailable fraction or potential ecotoxicity of the analyte, for comparison with relevant guidelines as per ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000a), EPA (2005a) and/or appropriate alternate guidance. o The cause of any exceedance shall be investigated, potentially including water quality monitoring for toxicants at additional sites and/or at an increased frequency. o Any exceedance of high protection triggers shall also initiate water quality sampling for toxicants at public beach sites for assessment against triggers for primary contact recreation as described in Section Water Clarity and Aesthetics of Primary Contact Areas (Beaches and Lower Swan). o Additional protection barriers shall be implemented, e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. o Return water discharge shall cease until it can be demonstrated that no risk to the environment is posed by toxicants. Water ph within Return Water Plume Frequency Baseline prior to discharge of reclamation water, then weekly until the completion of reclamation and conclusion of return water discharge, and one week thereafter or until water quality meets HEPA criteria. Location Six sites including one site within the reclamation pond, one site within the weir box, three dynamic transect sites within the return water plume (at distances 10 m, 200 m and 500 m from silt curtain) and two static reference sites within the Cottesloe Reef Fish Habitat Protection Area, as shown in Figure 3.1 (N.B. mock sites at the same distances of separation along a transect offshore of the return water discharge outlet / weir box, shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to conclusion of return water discharge). Method Measure ph of surface water (50 cm below water surface, at least 5 water samples) and bottom water (50 cm above sediment surface, at least 5 water samples) at each site every week in accordance with EPA (2005a,b). Compare median ph of surface and bottom waters at potential impact sites against reference sites for moderate and high protection triggers as listed in Table 4.4 (i.e. potential impact sites to exhibit no greater deviation than ±0.2 ph units from reference sites), to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where ph is determined to exceed the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of ph data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If water ph does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing environmental risk, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o The cause of exceedance shall be investigated. o Additional protection measures shall be implemented, e.g. raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 23

34 o o Management measures shall be implemented to neutralise return water to within acceptable ph range. Return water discharge shall cease until it can be demonstrated that no risk to the environment is posed from unacceptably low (or high) water ph. Dissolved Oxygen within proximity of Inner Harbour Dredge, Return Water, Offshore Dredge and Disposal Plumes Frequency Baseline prior to dredging or discharge of reclamation water, then weekly (or fortnightly at Inner Harbour sites monitored by DoW) until the completion of dredging or reclamation and conclusion of return water discharge, and one week thereafter or until water quality meets relevant criteria. Monitoring will be targeted and focussed on data collection at those sites within proximity of the visible plume/s (as based on field observation and aerial imagery), which technically defines the potential zone of influence, plus associated reference sites. That is, not all sites may be sampled, and to reiterate for emphasis, when dredging only those sites within proximity of the visible dredge, disposal and/or return water plumes will be sampled, plus associated reference sites. Location Total of twenty-one sites including: Four dynamic transect sites within the Inner Harbour dredge plume (at distances 10 m, 50m, 100 m and 500 m from dredge head) as detailed in Section 3.3, Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2 (N.B. mock sites at the same distances of separation along a transect within the Inner Harbour, at a random location overlying the footprint of potentially contaminated sediment, shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to dredging of that sediment, if the dredge has moved out of the Inner Harbour). Six sites including one site within the reclamation pond, one site within the weir box, three dynamic transect sites within the return water plume (at distances 10 m, 200 m and 500 m from silt curtain) and two static reference sites within the Cottesloe Reef Fish Habitat Protection Area, as shown in Figure 3.1 (N.B. mock sites at the same distances of separation along a transect offshore of the return water discharge outlet / weir box, shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to conclusion of return water discharge). Three water quality sites surrounding the Inner Harbour, monitored by the DoW, as detailed in Section 3.6 and Figure 3.1 (N.B. salinity and total nutrients will also be monitored by the DoW at these sites for contextual purposes). Eight dynamic transect sites within the offshore dredge plume (4 sites) and disposal plume (4 sites) (at distances 10 m, 50m, 100 m and 500 m from dredge head or location of spoil disposal) as detailed in Section 3.4 and Figure 3.1 (N.B. mock sites at the same distances of separation along a transect within the offshore deep water channel and disposal area, at a random location overlying the footprint of sediment to be dredged and disposed shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to dredging and disposal of that sediment). Method Measure daytime DO saturation within bottom waters (0-50 cm from sediment surface) at each site every week (or fortnight at DoW sites) in accordance with EPA (2005a,b). For contextual purposes TSS concentration will also be determined at each location by collection of a single integrated-depth water sample, sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis of the concentration and determination of the organic component via loss on ignition (LOI). For contextual purposes the water turbidity (NTU) and temperature profile will also be measured at each location. For contextual purposes, Secchi depth will also be measured at each site in accordance with EPA (2005a,b). Compare rolling 2-week median DO saturation of bottom waters at each potential impact site against EQG triggers for moderate and high protection as listed in Table Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

35 If EQG triggers are exceeded, determine whether environmental quality standards (EQS) for high or moderate protection areas as defined by EPA (2005a) have been exceeded (i.e. rolling 2-week median DO shall not be below 60% saturation), to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where DO saturation is determined to breach the EQS trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of DO data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If bottom water DO saturation does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing environmental risk, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o The cause of exceedance shall be investigated. o Daily monitoring shall be implemented. o Additional protection barriers and measures shall be implemented, e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. o Return water discharge shall cease until it can be demonstrated that no risk to the environment is posed. o Further management measures shall be implemented to ensure that bottom water DO saturation meets the applicable standard, e.g. single-shift dredging. o Dredging shall be relocated from the area subject to DO exceedance until the Office of the EPA is satisfied that the risk to the environment is acceptable Recreational and Aesthetic Values Water Clarity and Aesthetics of Primary Contact Areas (Beaches and Lower Swan) Frequency Weekly for the first 6 weeks of the dredging program, and thereafter only if prompted by visual analysis of weekly aerial imagery and/or a significant number of public complaints. Aerial imagery to be collected every second day for the duration of dredging of the 300,000 m 3 potentially contaminated sediment within the Inner Harbour. Location Six contingency recreation/aesthetic beach sites as detailed in Section 3.5 and Figure 3.1. Method Measure Secchi depth at each site every week in accordance with EPA (2005a,b). For contextual purposes TSS concentration will also be determined at each location by collection of a single integrated-depth water sample, sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis of the concentration and determination of the organic component via loss on ignition (LOI). Compare Secchi depth at each site against triggers for primary contact recreation as listed in Table 4.4 (i.e. Secchi depth should be no less than 1.6 m), to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 25

36 Contingency Management Measures Where Secchi depth is found to exceed the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA and DoH will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of Secchi depth data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If Secchi depth does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing risk to primary contact recreation or aesthetic values, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o Additional protection barriers shall be implemented (e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water, single-shift dredging, relocate dredge) to ensure Secchi depth is as high as reasonably practicable at beach sites, focussed particularly on peak periods of beach use. o Public will be notified of nature and predicted duration of temporary reductions in water clarity via means such as erection of signage, advertisements or notices in the press. o Return water discharge shall cease and/or dredging causing the exceedance shall be relocated until it can be demonstrated that no risk to primary contact recreation or aesthetic values is posed by the lowered water clarity. Toxicants within Reclamation Area Frequency Daily during the period between dredging commencing and reclamation water discharge commencing. Location One site within proximity of the dredge inflow within the reclamation area will be sampled. Method Collect a single water sample from a location selected in close proximity to the dredge inflow. Store chilled and immediately send samples to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analyses of the concentration of toxicant analytes listed in Table 4.5 (metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAH). Toxicant concentration data shall be processed within 5 days from collection and compared against triggers for primary contact recreation where available and listed in Table 4.5, to establish the risk to primary contact values following commencement of return water discharge. Contingency Management Measures Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA and DoH will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of toxicant data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If water quality is considered a risk to primary contact recreation values, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o Return water discharge shall not commence until it can be demonstrated that no risk to primary contact recreation values at adjacent beaches is posed by toxicants. o Erect signage at beaches to warn public of potential health risk of toxicants. 26 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

37 o o The cause of any exceedance shall be investigated, potentially including water quality monitoring for toxicants at additional sites. Additional protection barriers shall be implemented, e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. Toxicants at Primary Contact Areas Frequency Baseline prior to dredging, and thereafter only if toxicants within the Inner Harbour dredge plume or return water plume outside of the silt curtain exceed triggers for high protection of ecosystem health (see Section Toxicants within Return Water Plume). Location Six contingency recreation/aesthetic beach sites as detailed in Section 3.5 and Figure 3.1. Method Collect a single integrated-depth water sample from each site, every week. Store chilled and immediately send samples to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analyses of the concentration of toxicant analytes listed in Table 4.5 (metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAH). Toxicant concentration data shall be processed (within 10 days from collection of baseline samples, within 5 days from collection of samples triggered by return water plume exceedances) and compared against triggers for primary contact recreation where available and listed in Table 4.5, to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA and DoH will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of toxicant data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If water quality does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing risk to primary contact recreation values, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o Erect signage at beaches to warn public of potential health risk of toxicants. o The cause of any exceedance shall be investigated, potentially including water quality monitoring for toxicants at additional sites. o Additional protection barriers shall be implemented, e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. o Return water discharge shall cease until it can be demonstrated that no risk to primary contact recreation values is posed by toxicants. Water ph in Primary and Secondary Contact Areas within Proximity of the Return Water Plume Frequency Baseline prior to discharge of reclamation water, and thereafter only if ph within the return water plume outside of the silt curtain exceed triggers for high protection of ecosystem health (see Section Water ph within Return Water Plume). Location Six sites including one site within the reclamation pond, one site within the weir box, three dynamic transect sites within the return water plume (at distances 10 m, 200 m and 500 m from silt curtain) and two static reference sites within the Cottesloe Reef Fish Habitat Protection Area, as shown in Figure 3.1 (N.B. mock sites Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 27

38 at the same distances of separation along a transect offshore of the return water discharge outlet / weir box, shall be used for (i) baseline sampling and (ii) water quality sampling in the week subsequent to conclusion of return water discharge). In the event of exceedance (refer below), six contingency recreation/aesthetic beach sites as detailed in Section 3.5 and Figure 3.1. Method Measure ph of surface water (50 cm below water surface, at least 5 water samples) and bottom water (50 cm above sediment surface, at least 5 water samples) at each site every week in accordance with EPA (2005a,b). Compare median ph of surface and bottom waters at potential impact sites against primary and secondary contact triggers as listed in Table 4.4 (median ph must be within the range of 5 9 ph units), to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where ph is determined to exceed the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA and DoH will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of ph data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If water ph does not improve and is deemed to be an ongoing risk to primary or secondary contact recreation values, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o The cause of exceedance shall be investigated. o Measurements of ph shall be conducted at contingency recreation/aesthetic beach sites (as described above), as detailed in Section 3.5 and Figure 3.1; and median ph of surface and bottom waters at potential impact sites compare against primary contact triggers (median ph must be within the range of 5 9 ph units). If primary contact triggers are exceeded, erect signage to warn public of potential health risk. o Additional protection measures shall be implemented, e.g. raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. o Management measures shall be implemented to neutralise return water to within acceptable ph range. o Return water discharge shall cease until it can be demonstrated that no risk to primary and secondary contact recreation values is posed from unacceptably low (or high) water ph Sentinel Mussel Quality Fishing and Aquaculture Values (Seafood Safe to Eat) surrounding the Inner Harbour and Rous Head Frequency Baseline collection of natural mussels prior to dredging, then collection of deployed sentinel mussels every six weeks during dredging of the Inner Harbour Channel and associated reclamation, with one sentinel mussel survey thereafter (subsequent to Inner Harbour Channel dredging and conclusion of reclamation return water discharge). Location Five sites surrounding the Inner Harbour Channel dredging and reclamation area, plus one offshore reference site, as detailed in Section 3.6 and Figure 3.1 (N.B. collection of natural mussels for baseline survey should be as close as possible to these sites, where substrate and mussels are available). 28 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

39 Method Sentinel mussels shall be deployed at each site in cages (in triplicate) for collection and replacement every 6 weeks. Cages shall be cleaned of biofouling every 3 weeks (in between collection). Collected mussels shall be stored chilled and immediately sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analyses of the concentration of toxicant analytes listed in Table 4.6 (metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAH, PCBs). Toxicant concentration data shall be processed (within 5 days of laboratory receipt samples) and median analyte concentrations compared against seafood safe to eat triggers where available and listed in Table 4.6, to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level, exceedances in the first instance will be investigated to determine whether the dredging and spoil disposal activities were responsible (wholly or in part) for the observed higher levels of toxicants in mussel flesh. Investigations of possible causes will examine: o Whether any similar trends were observed at the mussel reference site; o The location of the dredging and spoil disposal activities in relation to the o affected site(s); and The spatial distribution of affected sites in relation to unaffected sites and the position of the dredge. In the event that it is considered that dredging or spoil disposal has not contributed to the exceedance/s, then the exceedance/s, together with reasons as to why the dredging or spoil disposal were not responsible, will be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA. Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level and it is considered that dredging or spoil disposal has contributed to the exceedance, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA and DoH will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of toxicant data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If mussel quality is deemed to be an ongoing risk to public health, depending on location and severity of contamination, and advice from the EPA and DoH, management measures may include: o o o o Signage erected at adjacent areas to warn public that natural mussels in area may not be safe to eat. Establish cause of exceedance, e.g. initiation of more detailed monitoring of water quality to determine (i) source and spatial spread of toxicants, and (ii) risks posed to environmental and other values (e.g. water quality risks to crayfish industry utilising water from Rous Head Harbour). Initiation of sampling and analysis of toxicant levels in naturally occurring mussels in areas likely to be affected. Initiation of sampling and analysis of toxicant levels in fish species targeted by recreational fishermen and/or dolphins in areas potentially affected Sediment Quality Ecosystem Health Surrounding the Inner Harbour and Rous Head Frequency Monthly during dredging of the Inner Harbour Channel and associated reclamation, with one sediment survey thereafter (subsequent to Inner Harbour Channel dredging and conclusion of reclamation return water discharge) (N.B. sufficient baseline sediment quality data was deemed available within the SAP Implementation Report for Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 29

40 this Project (SKM 2008) and Fremantle Ports ongoing operational Marine Quality Monitoring Plan Oceanica, 2009). Location Five sites surrounding the Inner Harbour Channel dredging and reclamation area, as detailed in Section 3.6, Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2 (plus one additional post-dredge site within the boundary of the temporary MEPA for sampling after the conclusion of reclamation water discharge). Method Collect triplicate sediment samples from each site, every month. Store chilled and immediately send samples to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analyses of the concentration of toxicant analytes listed in Table 4.7 (metals, organotins, OC pesticides, PAH, PCBs). Toxicant concentration data shall be processed (within 5 days from collection of samples) and compared against moderate and high protection triggers as applicable and where available and listed in Table 4.7, to determine the appropriate management response as listed below. Contingency Management Measures Where a toxicant analyte is determined to be above the trigger level, then: o the CEO of the Office of the EPA will be informed of the exceedance and proposed management strategies (see below) as soon as practicable and no later than within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of toxicant data); o if applicable, any management actions already implemented within 72 hours shall also be reported; and o all management strategies will be implemented as soon as practicable. The exceedance will also be noted in fortnightly reporting (by the Environmental Monitoring Contractor) to Fremantle Ports and the Office of the EPA; If sediment quality is deemed to be an ongoing environmental risk, the following hierarchy of management measures shall be implemented as soon as is practicable: o Where relevant to each particular analyte for which an exceedance has occurred, conduct further testing of sediment samples may be conducted to ascertain the bioavailable fraction or potential ecotoxicity of the analyte, for comparison with relevant guidelines as per ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000), EPA (2005) and/or appropriate alternate guidance. o The cause of any exceedance shall be investigated, potentially including sediment quality monitoring for toxicants at additional sites. o Additional protection barriers shall be implemented, e.g. additional silt curtains, raising of weir box to reduce flow volume of return water. o Return water discharge shall cease and/or dredging relocated until the Office of the EPA is satisfied that the risk to the environment from toxicants in sediment, as sourced from dredging works, is acceptable. 30 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

41 6. Compliance Reporting In summary, reporting of WQMP results and contingency management measures will be entirely in accordance with Ministerial Condition 4 (refer Appendix A) with the following additional detail: Water, mussel or sediment quality results will be reported to the Office of the EPA within 2 weeks of field monitoring event, via immediate and in hardcopy. Reporting of non-exceedances will be directly posted to Fremantle Ports website. Exceedance of triggers and proposed management measures will be reported to the CEO of the Office of the EPA (and DoH, where relevant) within 72 hours of detection of the exceedance (i.e. subsequent to processing of data), via immediate and in hardcopy. Reporting of exceedances together with management measures agreed between Fremantle Ports, the Office of the EPA and any other relevant stakeholders, will be posted to Fremantle Ports website subsequent to such agreement. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 31

42 7. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Quality assurance and quality control procedures shall generally be in accordance with those described in the EPA s (2005b) Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Environmental Monitoring against the Cockburn Sound Environmental Quality Criteria ( ) and ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000b) Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting, as described below Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Field Sampling An appropriate quality assurance and quality control programme shall commence prior to sampling and continue through to the final reporting stage, including procedures designed to prevent, detect and correct problems in the sampling process and so to characterise errors statistically through quality control samples. As a minimum, it includes being able to adhere to protocols, being able to avoid contaminating samples, and being able to calibrate field instruments and make field observations Recording of Field Procedures A complete record of all field procedures will be maintained, including: Sampling locations (must be relocatable datum type shall be recorded with location coordinates); Sampling methods; Sample handling, preservation, and storage procedures; and, Dates and times of collection, preservation, and storage. A sample-inventory log and a sample-tracking log will also be maintained. Any circumstances potentially affecting sampling procedures shall be documented Non-collection of Field Data While every reasonable effort must be made to undertake the field monitoring program according to the schedule and procedures described in this WQMP, circumstances delaying the collection of data, or in the worst case resulting in the non-collection of data, may include: Weather conditions causing unsafe sea conditions to work (the skipper of the vessel will be responsible for deciding on whether conditions are safe or not); Equipment failure or malfunction; or Accidental loss of samples. Where data cannot reasonably be collected on schedule, then data collection should resume at the first available opportunity or the next scheduled sampling date, whichever comes first. Justified reasons for any delay or non-collection of data shall be included in data reports Maintenance and Calibration of Field Equipment All equipment and field instruments shall be kept clean and in good working order, and calibrations and preventative maintenance shall be carried out according to pre-defined schedules and recorded carefully Sample Tracking Sample tracking procedures require that metadata, including details of sampling date, time, location, duration, environmental conditions and procedures used for water, mussel and/or sediment collection be recorded. In addition, sample transport information, including chainof-custody (COC) forms and sample receipt notifications shall be completed and forwarded to the relevant parties, including delivery of the samples to sub-consultants for analysis. The original and one copy of the chain-of-custody documentation shall accompany all samples provided to the laboratory and further copies made available for filing as required. There must be a standard chain-of-custody form available for this purpose. The purpose of the form is to clearly identify what samples are included, the treatment that has been/should 32 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

43 be applied to samples (filtration etc), what analyses are to be performed and by whom, and who has had custody of the samples. This information is to be completely documented on the form, and the forms must accompany the sample container(s). Chain-of-custody must be documented by everyone having responsibility for a set of samples. This should also include couriers, but should that not be possible, the courier s signature on the waybill is sufficient. The person sending the samples should retain a copy of the form for his or her own records. When the samples reach their destination, the person receiving them must complete the form(s), keep the copy for their records and return the original with the results Sample Blanks Sample blanks may be used to estimate the levels of contamination that are incurred during any stage of field sampling activities. Field blanks may be used to estimate the contamination caused by sample collection, filtering, containers, equipment and transport. When used, blanks can be particularly useful in identifying problems with specific components of the monitoring procedure, which can then be quickly rectified. The reliability of the sampling procedure (and field officer) may also be ascertained by incorporating field blanks into the monitoring programme. Further explanations on the use of different field blanks are provided by ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000b) Duplicates and Replicates Duplicate samples are obtained by dividing a collected sample into two or more subsamples. Duplicates can be useful for revealing the size of errors from contamination that is occurring between sampling and sample analysis. Ideally, one duplicate should be obtained for about every 10 samples. Replicate samples are two or more samples that are collected simultaneously to establish the reproducibility of sampling. Ideally, three samples are required to enable testing of interand intra-laboratory accuracy and precision. Duplicate and replicate samples may be used as back-up samples to confirm whether a trigger has been exceeded and are particularly useful in situations when field collection is a difficult or costly exercise Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Laboratory Procedures Only laboratories accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) shall be utilised to undertake sample analyses Traceability of Results Apart from its chain of custody details for each sample, the laboratory must include the following information for each analysis: Identity of sample analysed; Identity of analyst; Name of equipment used; Original data and calculations; Identification of manual data transfers; Documentation of standard preparation; and, Use of certified calibration solutions Laboratory Data Reporting Laboratory reports shall be provided as part of the monitoring programme, including: The laboratory name and address; Tabulation of samples and analysis data; Identification of the analytical methods used; Limit of Reporting (LOR); Confidence intervals of the analytical results; Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 33

44 Date of analysis and name of technician or chemist; and, A quality control/quality assurance statement that includes the analytical results for blanks, duplicates, certified reference materials, spike recoveries and any other QA/QC information (ANZECC/ARMCANZ, 2000b) Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Data Management Data Management Systems The data management system shall have the following components: Reliable procedures for recording results of analysis and field observations; Procedures for systematic screening and validation of data; Secure storage of information; A simple retrieval system; Simple means of analysing data; and, Flexibility to accommodate additional information, e.g. new analytes and/or sites Data Entry Protocols Appropriate protocols for entering data shall be developed as part of the monitoring programme to ensure that the entry of data is accurate. A number of suggested protocols to minimise error are provided below: Templates should be used for standardising datasheet formats so data can be transferred and imported into the database from a variety of sources. These should be provided to all collectors prior to sampling so all information required is collected, and presented in a usable format; Data from analytical instruments including field meters and laboratory instruments should be electronically transferred to the database where possible to prevent transcription errors; The collector(s) of the data must ensure that only correct and validated data is provided to the database manager for uploading into the database. A printout of the entry should be checked against the field record sheet and the laboratory register. Entries can be validated by electronic screening against the expected range and against other analytes for the same site and sampling date, and against field measurements; and, Appropriate protocols for correctly distinguishing between data values of zero, data values obtained that were below the detection limit, and sites where no data was collected are as follows: o Values of zero will be captured as 0 (zero); o Values below the LOR will be assigned the value of the limit and qualified with a < indicator, e.g. <0.05 ; and, o At sites where no data was collected, an explanation must be written in the Comments field Responsibility for Data Management One person shall be primarily responsible for managing the database so that high quality assurance/quality control can be maintained, and any changes to the data and/or database will be appropriately implemented and tracked Metadata Metadata details the descriptive and supporting information of a monitoring programme, and is an integral component of quality assured data. Metadata shall specify information about the type of monitoring programme including a description of sample numbers, collection, management, analysis and storage techniques used Archive and Back-up Data Archives of all the original data files will be maintained for future reference purposes. This shall include archiving of: Raw data sheets from field and laboratory measurements and analyses; and, Electronic copies of verified data files prior to uploading into the database. 34 Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

45 Regular backing up of the monitoring database will occur so that data are not lost in the case of system or file failures. Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 35

46 8. References ANZECC / ARMCANZ 2000a. National Water Quality Management Strategy: Paper No 4 - Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Volume 1 - The Guidelines (Chapters 3 Aquatic Ecosystems). Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council / Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, October ANZECC / ARMCANZ 200b. National Water Quality Management Strategy: Paper No. 7 - Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council / Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, October Boskalis Fremantle Inner Harbour Deepening & Berth Works Project - Project Environmental Plan. Boskalis Australia, December DoF Western Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (WASQAP) Operations Manual. Department of Fisheries, EPA Perth s Coastal Waters: Environmental Values and Objectives, the Position of the EPA a Working Document. Environmental Protection Authority, February EPA 2005a. Environmental Quality Criteria Reference Document for Cockburn Sound ( ): A supporting document to the State Environmental (Cockburn Sound) Policy Environmental Protection Authority, Report 20, January EPA 2005b. Manual of Standard Operating Procedures - For Environmental Monitoring against the Cockburn Sound Environmental Quality Criteria ( ) - A supporting document to the State Environmental (Cockburn Sound) Policy Environmental Protection Authority, Report 21, January EPA Fremantle Port Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening, Reclamation at Rous Head and Offshore Placement of Dredged Material: Report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority. Environmental Protection Authority, Report 1330, June Fremantle Ports Fremantle Port Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening Reclamation at Rous Head and Offshore Placement of Dredged Material: Dredge and Spoil Disposal Management Plan (Revision 6). Fremantle Ports, December FSANZ Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Incorporating amendments up to and including Amendment 107). Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, Mance G, Musselwhite C and Brown VM Proposed Environmental Quality Standards for List II Substances in Water. Arsenic. Technical Report TR 212, Water Research Centre, Medmenham, United Kingdom. NHMRC / NRMMC National Water Quality Management Strategy - Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. National Health and Medical Research Council / Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, NHMRC Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water. National Health and Medical Research Council, February Oceanica Fremantle Ports Marine Quality Monitoring Programme: Annual Report Prepared for Fremantle Ports by Oceanica Consulting, July SKM Fremantle Ports Inner Harbour Development: Deep Water and Entrance Channels Dredging and Offshore Spoil Disposal, Sampling and Analysis Plan Implementation Report (Rev 5). Prepared for Fremantle Ports by Sinclair, Knight & Merz, December WHO Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments, Volume 1 - Coastal and Fresh Waters. World Health Organization, Geneva, Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program

47 Appendix A Ministerial Statement No. 801 (W.A. Minister for Environment, 18 th August 2009)

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