Murra Warra Wind Farm Project Environmental Management Plan

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1 1. Introduction This (EMP) covers the pre-construction, construction, operation and decommissioning phases for the Murra Warra Wind Farm Project. RES Australia recognises the importance of reducing human impact on the environment and is committed to achieving environmental best practice throughout its business activities by: establishing and maintaining an EMP for the Murra Warra Wind Farm Project, consistent with ISO14001: Environmental Management Systems integrating the Environmental Management System with the Health and Safety and Quality Systems ensuring compliance with applicable environmental legislation and policies monitoring purchasing practices and internal operations including energy and transport to ensure effective use of natural resources and wherever and whenever practicable minimising their environmental impact reducing, re-using and recycling in all parts of our business as far as is practicable monitoring and working with our suppliers and other third parties associated with our business, encouraging them to set similar high standards seeking to integrate environmental considerations into business policy decisions ensuring employees and management understand and are accountable for the achievement of policy goals through communication and training. This EMP includes: objectives of the EMP key legislation and policies relevant to the Murra Warra Wind Farm Project summary of key aspects and potential impacts management and mitigation measures for pre-construction, construction, operation and decommissioning phases and allocation of responsibility for key measures an outline of environmental training, monitoring, auditing, reporting and corrective actions. Approval for the wind farm to be developed is being sought under Planning and Environment Act 1987 (P&E Act). Further, the project requires development of a quarry for which approval is being sought under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act RES Australia will also seek approval of a voluntary Cultural Heritage Management Plan in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act Additional mitigation and management requirements may result from the above approvals and this EMP will be updated accordingly to incorporate these requirements. This EMP will also be supported by specific plans and procedures developed in the subsequent pre-construction, construction, operations and decommissioning phases. This would include Work Method Statements and Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to be developed for the project. The EMP will be reviewed and updated as required during each project phases to ensure it contains the latest relevant information and requisite mitigation and management measures. 2. Objectives The objectives of the EMP are to: identify management responsibilities and reporting requirements for environmental management identify applicable environmental legislation, policy and guidelines mitigate potential impacts of the wind farm development upon the existing native fauna, flora and habitat values of the area, as well as minimising impacts on social and cultural factors such as land use and heritage ensure that works are carried out in accordance with appropriate environmental statutory requirements and relevant non-statutory policies ensure that works are carried out in such a way as to minimise the likelihood of environmental degradation occurring ensure that works are carried out in such a way as to manage the impact of the works on neighbouring properties provide clear procedures for the management of environmental impact including corrective actions. The EMP has been prepared consistent with the Policy and Planning Guidelines for Development of Wind Energy Facilities in Victoria (DELWP 2016) that provides guidance about suitable sites to locate wind energy facilities and to inform planning decisions about a wind energy facility proposal. 6 July

2 3. Roles and Responsibilities RES Australia has overall responsibility for environmental management for the Murra Warra Wind Farm Project throughout its pre-construction, construction, operations and decommissioning phases. RES Australia will engage a design and construct contractor that will be contractually obliged to comply with the EMP and any conditions of planning and environmental approvals. RES Australia will engage an operations and maintenance contractor that will be contractually obliged to comply with the EMP and any conditions of planning and environmental approvals. All personnel employed on the Murra Warra Wind Farm Project are required to comply with applicable environmental laws. 4. Key legislation, policies and guidelines The key legislation polices and guidelines applicable to the Murra Warra Wind Farm Project are presented below. These requirements have been considered in the development of the EMP. 4.1 Legislation and policies Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 (Vic). Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Environment Protection Act 1970 o State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) Air Quality Management (AQM) o SEPP Groundwaters of Victoria (GOV) o SEPP Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade No.N-1 (SEPP N-1) o SEPP Waters of Victoria (WOV) o Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009 o Industrial Waste Management Policy (Waste Acid Sulfate Soils) Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic) Heritage Act 1995 Local Government Act 1989 Road Management Act 2004 (Vic) (RM Act) Water Act 1989 Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic). 4.2 Guidelines Environmental Guidelines for Major Construction Sites, EPA Publication 480 (1996) Noise Control Guidelines, EPA Publication 1254 (2008) Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria EPA Publication 1414 (2011) NZS 6808:2010 Acoustics- Wind farm noise Policy and Planning Guidelines for Development of Wind Energy Facilities in Victoria (2016). 5. Key environmental aspects and potential impacts A number of technical investigations have been completed to identify key environmental aspects and potential impacts of the project, these include: Biosis (2016) Flora and Fauna Assessment Xurban (2016) Landscape and Visual Assessment Archaeology at Tardis (2016) Desktop Cultural Heritage Assessment Cardno (2016) Traffic Impact Assessment RES Australia (2016) Geology and Hydrology Assessment. In addition, extensive community consultation and engagement has been conducted to understand the local communities issues and objectives. From the investigations and consultation undertaken, the environmental issues associated with the development are well understood. Overall, the following key aspects and impacts have been identified and are addressed in the EMP: protection of flora and fauna protection of soil and water quality (air emissions and runoff, borrow pits, placement of excess spoil) protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage management of traffic and transport 6 July

3 control of noise and vibration avoidance of bushfire management of landscape and visual amenity impacts potential for electro-magnetic interference nacelle lighting and aircraft safety. 6. Mitigation and Management Measures The site has been chosen because it has excellent characteristics for a high performing wind energy facility but low adverse environmental impacts. The project satisfies the DELWP (2016) guidelines, which identify the following matters that need to be taken into consideration for the siting of windfarms: environmental values o Flora and fauna o Native vegetation significant landscape values Aboriginal cultural heritage values exclusion of wind facilities in National Parks, State Parks and Coastal Parks and other high quality environmental and landscape locations in the state exclusion of wind energy facilities in locations that are likely to be required for future population growth turbines within one kilometer of an existing dwelling. Potential impacts on local communities, ecology, heritage, landscape and amenity values were considered in the site selection including the following: the project is located in heavily modified cleared agricultural land and is wholly within the farming zone. low impact on native vegetation and endangered or vulnerable ecological communities availability of grid; 220 kv Horsham to Mildura runs directly through the site. No requirement to construct further transmission corridor no areas of statutory heritage on site and absence of natural features which would increase the risk of heritage impacts no special landscape characteristics (i.e. Significant Landscape Overlay) or Environment Significance Overlay or recreational areas within the 20 km viewshed low community impact. Less than 30 inhabited dwellings exist within 3 km of the project with 8 of those are owned by families associated with the project. Nearest township is approximately 15 km north of the site. The design process has resulted in total native vegetation removals of less than 2 ha and avoidance of areas of sensitive habitat and all the turbines are sited at least 1.5 km from any inhabited non-involved dwellings. In addition it is proposed to quarry significant amount of materials for construction from an on-site quarry reducing traffic impacts on surrounding towns and communities. A summary of the environmental mitigation and management measures is provided in Table 1. 6 July

4 Table 1 - Environmental Mitigation and Management Measures Flora and Fauna To assist the protection and conservation of biodiversity, including native vegetation retention and provision of habitats for native plants and animals and control of pest plants and animals. Soil and Water Management To prevent soil erosion and permanent disturbance to soil properties in the project area. To protect the surrounding environment from hazardous substances. To minimise air emissions resulting from construction activities. A detailed Vegetation Management Plan will be produced. Avoid adverse impacts, particularly associated with vegetation clearance. This has been achieved by carrying out an investigation of the biological features of the site and as far as practical infrastructure would be located away from known biological features/values. Minimise impacts through appropriate consideration in planning processes and technical input into project design and management. The impacts of the development have been minimised as far as practical through the considerate design of the Wind Farm. Identify appropriate offset options. Achieve offset targets recommended in Flora and Fauna Assessment (Biosis 2016) and any conditions associated with the P&E Act processes to compensate for native vegetation losses. A detailed Soil and Water Management Plan will be developed, which will outline a strategy for the management of soil and water resources within the project area. This plan will be developed in consultation with relevant agencies. Areas known to be particularly or potentially prone to erosion will be identified prior to the on-ground siting of access tracks and earthworks, and avoided where possible. Spill kits are to be kept and maintained at storage areas and works areas where hazardous materials are handled. Topsoil requiring removal will be stockpiled separately from excavation spoil, with spoil and topsoil backfilled in a manner which does not result in soil inversion (i.e. to ensure soil layers are backfilled in the correct order) or erosion. Erosion and sediment control devices (e.g. hay bales) will be fitted down slope of construction-sites (where required) to prevent erosion events and capture potential sediment wash. These devices should be regularly maintained. Construction-sites will be regularly inspected to detect any erosion events. If such events occur, remedial action will be undertaken. This may include soil stabilisation measures such as revegetation or laying physical stabilisation material followed by revegetation. A review of management procedures will be undertaken to reduce likelihood of recurrence of the event. A water quality monitoring program will be implemented to ensure erosion prevention measures and remedial actions are maintained and are effective. Construction (Contractor) 6 July

5 A Hydrocarbon and Hazardous Substances Plan will be prepared to monitor and control risks associated with the storage of hydrocarbons and hazardous materials. All hazardous products will be appropriately transported and stored in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, to avoid release to the environment. All hazardous materials are to be properly classified, and appropriately stored, with incompatible materials stored separately from one another. Fuels and oils will also be stored in bunded areas. All hazardous materials will be handled and utilised in accordance with statutory regulations and label instructions. All personnel handling and using hazardous chemicals will be appropriately trained. Employees handling, transporting or utilising hazardous materials will be trained in emergency response for spill events. Spill cleanup kits will be kept within the vicinity of the worksite where such hazardous materials are used and stored. Regular inspections are to be conducted of hazardous materials storage and usage areas, and of equipment utilising hazardous materials, to detect leakage or misuse. Incidents or accidents involving the mishandling, transportation or inadequate storage of hazardous materials will be investigated and appropriate remedial action implemented. Spill kits are to be kept and maintained at storage areas and works areas where hazardous materials are handled. The amount of exposed earth left as a result of clearing at any one time should be kept to a minimum. During working times, personnel should employ recognised dust suppression techniques to exposed surfaces potentially causing significant dust emissions, including applying dust mitigation measures; and limiting traffic access across exposed surfaces. Where vegetation is impacted by excessive dust emissions, remedial action is to be implemented. A review of operational procedures and dust suppression techniques should also occur to avoid recurrence of the event. Material stockpiles will be located on cleared agricultural land, wherever possible and no closer than 5 m of trees, to avoid the effects of soil compaction upon trees and native vegetation understorey. Stockpiles will not be located where they can significantly affect native vegetation associations. 6 July

6 Stockpiles will not be located in areas that threaten loss of stockpile material through natural processes and stockpile numbers would be minimised. Compacted areas resulting from the storage of stockpiles, site facilities and wind farm components will be reinstated in consultation with relevant landowners. Protection of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage To minimise impacts on Aboriginal archaeology sites, heritage sites and cultural values. Incorporate the outcomes of the Voluntary Cultural Heritage Management Plan including the protocols to follow during the sub-surface archaeological testing and subsequent construction phase of the development. & Construction (Contractor) To prevent unauthorised disturbance to any cultural heritage artefacts, sites or anthropological entities. Traffic and Transport To ensure road standards are A Traffic Management Plan will be produced maintained. Traffic movements of over-size and over-mass vehicles minimised during peak times. To minimise disruption to the Pilot and escort vehicles will be used in accordance with VicRoads requirements. surrounding road network. Access routes will be determined in consultation with the local Councils and VicRoads. To ensure public safety is All over-size and over-mass vehicles are to use the approved routes. maintained with regards to traffic and road use. Existing and designated tracks and roads will be used for access (unless in an emergency) during all project activities. Appropriate signage will be erected, as required by relevant authorities in relation to the proposed Murra Warra Wind Farm. Materials and equipment will be sourced, where practical, from within the project site and the surrounding local area, thus reducing total haulage traffic. Regular inspections of access roads and tracks will be carried out during construction activities and road maintenance work will be completed as required. Roads and access will be maintained during the construction phase of the project, and will be carried out in consultation with the Council and VicRoads, and to appropriate road standards. Site personnel will be instructed to employ safe driving and operating practices at all times. Appropriate public notice should be provided if significant public inconvenience is expected to occur during construction activities. Noise and Vibration Protect the surrounding environment from excessive noise and vibration Machinery and equipment should not be operated in a way that causes unnecessary pollution from noise. Where complaints are received regarding air emissions, remedial Construction (Contractor) 6 July

7 impacts. action should be undertaken. As per EPA guidelines, where noise is likely to be audible at a nearby dwelling construction activities would be restricted to between 7 am and 6 pm weekdays and 7 am to 1 pm Saturday, except where, for practical reasons, the activity is unavoidable or by agreement with the responsible authority. Prior to commencement of operation a Noise Compliance Test Plan and a Noise Complaint and Evaluation plan will be produced. To appropriately manage site machinery and equipment to minimise noise and vibration emissions. Blasting of any areas of extreme hardness should be done in a way that does not cause excessive noise and vibration impacts. The need for Blasting is highly unlikely on this site however in the unlikely event that this is necessary a Blasting Plan will be produced. Construction (Contractor) Machinery and equipment should be maintained or repaired off-site, where possible. Where incidents or accidents occur as a result of equipment malfunction, an investigation of the incident/accident should occur and remedial action implemented, in accordance with any relevant regulations. Bushfire To minimise the potential for fire hazards and bushfire risk on-site. To ensure the effective development and implementation of fire and emergency response procedures. A detailed Fire Prevention and Response Plan and Bush Fire Management Plan will be produced. An ERP will be developed in consultation with the local emergency services departments, including Country Fire Authority (CFA) and will include response to fire and hazardous materials spills. The plan would provide information on environmentally and agriculturally sensitive sites within the project area that will be susceptible to a fire or spill incident. In particular, the ERP would be consistent with the applicable requirements of the CFA s Emergency Management Guidelines for Wind Farms, both during the construction and operational phases of the Murra Warra Wind Farm. The access tracks incorporated into the design of the wind farm would also result in improved trafficable access for the CFA and the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) in the event of any emergency. This would result in enhanced fire containment options over a greater area of grassland / woodland. Personnel will be appropriately trained in emergency response, with the ERP accessible Construction (Contractor) to all on-site personnel. Construction, operation and decommissioning activities are to employ best practice with regards to fire management, and be in accordance with relevant regulations and industry guidelines. Actions that should be implemented include: - use of diesel operated vehicles where possible - provision of appropriate fire fighting equipment on construction vehicles and water reserves at construction-sites (as per CFA and other statutory 6 July

8 requirements) - no outside hot work to be carried out on fire ban days (in accordance with CFA and other statutory requirements) - notification of local CFA when high fire risk construction work is being carried out - investigation into the cause of any fire outbreaks and implementation of remedial actions to ensure no recurrence of the event. Landscape and Visual To manage the visual impact of the wind farm project. Electro Magnetic Interference To minimise interference by wind turbines to all electromagnetic signals operating in the area. Nacelle Lighting / Aircraft Safety Wind turbines shall be of pale grey / off-white colour with a semi-matt finish, similar to other previously consented wind farms. Consult with any adjoining residents in particular who lodge a complaint relating to the visual amenity of the project. Use of local materials for road surfaces (where possible) and in accordance with local council requirements. Upon decommissioning, remove all above ground on-site infrastructure associated with the wind farm. Access roads will remain in-situ for the benefit of landowners. All or part of the substation may remain permanently, depending upon the requirements of the Network Service Provider. Establish and maintain a buffer along the centreline of all currently existing microwave signal links operating from transmission towers within the project area, within which no part of the turbine will enter, as specified by relevant users. Conduct pre and post construction surveys in areas predicted to be subject to TV signal interference by the wind farm to establish a baseline against which to identify actual interference. Construction (Contractor) Decommissioning (RES Implement remedial actions to rectify affected television reception and broadcast Construction (Contractor) disrupted by the turbines. All electrical equipment will be manufactured and constructed to ensure compliance with recommended exposure limits in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the National Health and Medical Research Council. 6 July

9 To comply with any applicable nacelle lighting requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) If aviation night lighting is deemed necessary implement an approved lighting plan in consultation with CASA 6 July

10 7. Training, monitoring, auditing, reporting and corrective actions The following actions are required to effectively manage and implement the EMP. An ERP will be established prior to construction commencement to set out the procedures to respond to potential incidents on-site that threatens the environment, such as fire or oil/fuel spill. The ERP will clearly define responsibilities and allow an effective response with minimal impact on the environment. Site personnel will be made aware of their responsibilities in the ERP and the plan should be available to all personnel. Contact details for the CFA, Police and the EPA Victoria will be included. A number of environmental inspections and audits will be carried out during the life of the wind farm project, to assess compliance with this Planning Permit Application documentation, the EMP, the Conditions of Consent and other relevant environmental legislation, guidelines or management documents produced for the project. A set of compliance criteria will be developed for each audit, based on the management actions and objectives outlined in the EMP and other relevant management commitments. Where non-compliance is detected, a system of follow up and corrective action will be implemented. The timing, level and scope of auditing will be reviewed and improved, where appropriate. Environmental management training for the project will ensure the induction for all on-site personnel to ensure that employees and subcontractors are fully informed of their specific environmental obligations. The induction will outline the issues and objectives for environmental management, explain sites of environmental sensitivity and outline the required work practices in relation to environmental management. Routine audits, inspections and monitoring will be carried out during all the project phases. It is essential that effective passage of relevant environmental conditions and project documents, A formal complaint handling procedure is to be established to allow any complaint to be recorded and investigated. Details of the complaint handling procedure shall include the nomination of responsibilities to individuals, establishment of reporting protocols and procedures to investigate and report on complaints. 6 July 2016