PERTH AIRPORT 2005/2006 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Transcription

1 PERTH AIRPORT 2005/2006 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

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3 Contents Office of the CEO Report 4 Summary of Highlights 6 1 Introduction 8 2 Environment Policy 8 3 Environmental Management Organisation Environment Strategy Environmental Management System Environmental Site Register 10 4 Global Reporting Initiative 11 5 Compliance 11 6 Noise Management Aircraft Noise Management Noise Management Strategy Committee Aircraft Noise Complaints Aircraft Engine Ground Running Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System Aircraft Noise Information Non-Aeronautical Noise 13 7 Air Quality National Pollutant Inventory 17 8 Water Quality Monitoring Water Monitoring Surface Water Quality Groundwater Quality Surface and Ground Water Modelling Water Level Monitoring Managing Ecology, Culture and Heritage Conservation Areas Rehabilitation Weed Management Biodiversity Impacts Vertebrate Pest Management Fauna Monitoring Contaminated Site Management AGR Matthey Shell Service Station Airservices Australia Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd Joint Operations Storage Facility Feature Tours Resource Use Management Greenhouse Gas Emissions Tenant Environmental Performance Stakeholder and Community Consultation Looking Ahead 49 Appendices 50 Appendix 1 Progress of Environment Strategy Commitments 50 Appendix 2 Progress of Annual Report Initiatives 55 Appendix 3 Significant Residual Environmental Risks 57 Appendix 4 Progress against Global Reporting Initiative indicators and the Department of Environment and Heritage environmental reporting requirements 60 9 Soil Monitoring Managing Environmental Incidents 27 ABOUT THIS REPORT This report is one of three published reports covering the company s activities during the 2005/2006 financial year. It is structured to respond to the company s corporate objectives, to demonstrate progress and to accurately reflect achievements during the 2005/2006 financial year. All reports can be downloaded from the Perth Airport website 1

4 Figures & Tables 2 List of Figures Figure 1 Westralia Airports Corporation organisational chart 9 Figure 2 Total yearly number of aircraft noise complaints 12 Figure 3 Monthly flight noise complaints 12 Figure 4 Australian Noise Exposure Index (ANEI) Figure 5 Annual Average Day N65 for Figure 6 Drainage system and monitoring locations 18 Figure 7 Historical trend of total nitrogen in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain 19 Figure 8 Historical trend of total phosphorous in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain 19 Figure 9 Historical trend of lead in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain 19 Figure 10 Historical trend of zinc in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain 19 Figure 11 Historical trend of copper in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain 19 Figure 12 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the eastern airport boundary (site MB7) 23 Figure 13 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the eastern airport boundary (site MB7) 23 Figure 14 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the southern airport boundary (site MB12) 23 Figure 15 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the southern airport boundary (site MB12) 24 Figure 16 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the northern airport boundary (site MB3) 24 Figure 17 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the northern airport boundary (site MB3) 24 Figure 18 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the western airport boundary (site MB5) 24 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the western airport boundary (site MB5) 24 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected in the central region of the airport (site MB14) 25 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected in the central region of the airport (site MB14) 25 Schematic conceptual hydrogeological model of Perth Airport 26 Hydrograph from bore MB7 located in the central region of the airport 27 Figure 24 Track rehabilitation 30 Figure 25 Wetland rehabilitation 30 Figure 26 Logs in drain 31 Figure 27 Fauntleroy Basin 31 Figure 28 Weed Control in Conservation Precincts 5 and 7 Figure 29 Figure 30 Figure 31 Figure 32 Figure 33 Figure 34 during 2005/ Vertebrate pest (rabbit, fox and cat) monitoring sites, rabbit and fox control areas, and bandicoot monitoring sites 34 Number of rabbit tracks recorded at four monitoring sites (A-D) during 2005/2006. Rabbit baiting was undertaken in November 2005 and April Number of fox tracks recorded at four monitoring sites (A-D) during 2004/2005. Fox baiting was undertaken in October 2005 and May Number of bandicoots trapped at four monitoring sites (A-D) during 2005/ Contour lines of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in groundwater at the Joint Operations Supply Facility, December Contour lines of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in groundwater at the Joint Operations Supply Facility, June

5 List of Tables Table 1 Monthly average noise complaints Table 2 Air quality parameters measured at Department of Environment and Conservation monitoring stations 16 Table 3 Ambient air quality 2005 and 2006 compared to the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 Ambient Air Quality Standards (A(EP)R AAQ) 16 Table 4 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions during 2004/2005 and 2005/ Table 5 Summary statistics for surface waters (entire dataset and 2005/2006) 20 Table 6 Summary statistics for groundwaters (entire dataset and 2005/2006) 25 Table 7 Environmental incidents 28 Table 9 Major (>_100L) fuel and oil spill summary 28 Table 10 Site development during 2005/2006. Priority vegetation types are defined in the Environment Strategy Table 11 Water usage 42 Table 12 Energy consumption 42 Table 13 Landfilled solid waste 43 Table 14 Recycling trial results weight of paper / cardboard recycled during the eight week trial period 43 Table 15 Greenhouse gas emissions 45 Table 16 Tenants audited during 2005/ Table 17 Annual Report Initiatives 49 Table 8 Annual fuel and oil spill comparison 28 3

6 Office of the CEO Report Westralia Airports Corporation (WAC) maintained a strong commitment to responsible management of the environment during 2005/2006. Westralia Airports Corporation has continued to increase the emphasis placed on environmental performance, including the establishment in April 2006 of a Risk Management Sub-Committee of the Board to address issues relating to health, safety, security and environment. Furthermore, during 2005/2006 substantial revision of the Environmental Management System was undertaken, and the Environmental Risk Register was finalised. Westralia Airports Corporation believes that the establishment of sound governance and ethics systems throughout all levels of the organisation will further enhance the quality of management systems and environmental performance. During 2005/2006, WAC fully implemented a new airport-wide incident management system, incorporating health, safety, security and environment. Monitoring of rehabilitation programs initiated during the previous reporting period indicate that rehabilitation is progressing successfully. During 2005/2006, WAC extended the track closure and rehabilitation program and undertook additional revegetation works at the constructed wetland in Conservation Precinct 5 and at Fauntleroy Basin. In addition, a new revegetation project was undertaken in Conservation Precinct 7. Westralia Airports Corporation is committed to responsible waste management. In June 2006, WAC together with Amcor Recycling Australasia, initiated a recycling trial for paper and cardboard. The trial was extremely successful, with staff and tenants alike embracing the recycling initiative. Based on the success of the trial this program will continue into full operation. External relationships form an important part of environmental management at Perth Airport. During 2005/2006 WAC continued to facilitate the highly successful Noise Management Strategy Committee and the Environmental Consultation Group. In March 2006, WAC also established the Major Tenant Environment Forum to improve environmental performance through the sharing of ideas, information and expertise among 4

7 tenants and the Corporation. In addition, WAC initiated the inaugural Perth Airport Planting Week to involve five local primary schools in rehabilitation projects at Perth Airport. With a number of exciting initiatives planned for the coming year, together with the continuation of the existing programs, WAC looks forward to a continuing high standard of environmental management in 2006/2007. The Office of the CEO was formed following the resignation of the CEO Graham Muir. In the period until the appointment of a new Chief Executive, the current non-executive Chairman Mr David Crawford has become Executive Chairman and a management committee consisting of Mr Richard Gates (General Manager Airport), Mr Wayne Ticehurst (Chief Financial Officer) and Mr Neil Kidd (General Manager Property) was established. Wayne Ticehurst Chief Financial Officer Office of the CEO Neil Kidd General Manager Property Office of the CEO Richard Gates General Manager Airport Office of the CEO David Crawford Executive Chairman Office of the CEO 5

8 Summary of Highlights Throughout this report a number of highlights for the 2005/2006 reporting period have been noted. The summary below captures Westralia Airports Corporation s environmental achievements during 2005/2006. Environmental Management Substantial revision of the WAC Environmental Management System and associated procedures through implementation of recommendations from the 2004/2005 gap analysis Finalisation of WAC s Environmental Risk Register Formation of a WAC Board Sub-Committee to address risk management Noise Management Decrease in the number of aeronautical noise complaints received during 2005/2006 Decrease in the number of engine ground runs and community complaints related to engine ground runs Air Quality No exceedences of the Airport (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 Ambient Air Quality Standards Submitted the fourth annual NPI report to the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation Water Quality The annual round of surface and ground water sampling and analysis successfully completed and results documented Environmental Incidents Full implementation of a new airport wide incident management system No Level 4 incidents occurred Managing Ecology and Culture Successful progress of rehabilitation demonstrated by monitoring results A further 1.8 kilometres of tracks rehabilitated 7,276 seedlings planted Commenced Stage 1 rehabilitation of Conservation Precinct 7 Effective control of vertebrate pests during 2005/2006 Increased bandicoot numbers indicated by monitoring 6

9 Contaminated Sites Management Commencement of remediation of construction and demolition stockpiles at the Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd site, with rapid reduction in stockpile volume No residual contamination detected at the Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd site following removal of the stockpiles Remedial Action Plan submitted by BP Australia for remediation of the Joint Operations Supply Facility Resource Use Management Decrease in electricity consumption per passenger Developed methods for determining groundwater and surface water use, and reported on groundwater and surface water use for the first time Initiated a paper and cardboard recycling trial to reduce the amount of waste landfilled Tenant Environmental Performance Increase in the number of tenants with Environmental Management Plans Increase in the number of tenants complying with monitoring and reporting requirements and providing WAC with Annual Environment Reports Increase in the number of tenants audited Stakeholder and Community Consultation Five meetings of the Perth Airport Environmental Consultation Group Establishment of the Perth Airport Major Tenant Environment Forum Inaugural Perth Airport Planting Week, with involvement from five local primary schools Extensive project specific community consultation undertaken 7

10 2 Environment Policy Westralia Airports Corporation recognises the importance of maintaining and enhancing the quality of the environment. 1 Introduction This report details the performance of Westralia Airports Corporation Pty. Ltd. (WAC) in the environmental management of Perth Airport during 2005/2006. It includes progress against the environmental commitments presented in the Environment Strategy 2004 and provides details of environmental incidents, improvements and rehabilitation programs that have occurred during the last reporting period. In addition, results of monitoring in 2005/2006 and details of contaminated site management at Perth Airport are included. This report is submitted to the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) to comply with the requirements of the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations It is also made publicly available to inform interested stakeholders of the status of the airport s environment. The WAC Environment Policy states that in developing and managing Perth Airport, WAC will establish and maintain a system which endeavours to: Identify, prevent, control and minimise adverse environmental impacts associated with airport operations; Comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulations; In consultation with Federal, State and Local authorities and the general public, set specific environmental objectives and targets to control any adverse environmental impact and to manage pollution arising from our activities; Continually measure, monitor, report and improve the environmental performance defined by our objectives and targets; Responsibly manage resources and wastes; and Promote our commitment to the environment to all our stakeholders including employees, tenants, customers and neighbours. This Environment Policy statement has formally been adopted by the Board of WAC and issued over the signature of the members of the Office of the CEO. 3 Environmental Management The Environment Policy statement is the foundation of WAC s commitment to protecting and enhancing the airport s environment. It provides strategic direction from top management and is translated into specific management objectives through the Environment Strategy 2004 into the day to day operation of Perth Airport. Continual improvement in environmental performance is achieved through implementation of established procedures, and by identifying, evaluating and managing environmental issues through a structured management system. 8

11 WAC Pty Ltd Chairman & Directors (8) Receptionist (Job Share) Executive Assistant to CEO, CFO and General Manager Corporate Services Office of the CEO General Manager Corporate Services Chief Financial Officer General Manager Property Personal Assistant Retail Operations Manager General Manager Airport PA to GM Airport Human Resources Manager Financial Analyst Property Development Manager Airport PropertyAsset Manager Engineering Manager Airside Safety Manager Human Resources Officer Management Accountant Development Manager - Leasing Leasing Specialist Retail Services Manager Project Manager Aviation Security Manager Payroll Officer (P/T)(ML) Corporate Accountant Project Manager Development & Planning Construction Supervisor Manager - Commercial Operations Terminal Facilities Supervisor Security Operations Manager Operations Services Clerk Marketing & Media Manager Marketing & Media Officer Aeronautical Systems Administrator Accounts Officer Project Coordinator Facilities Manager Project Manager Ground Transport Supervisors (2) Ground Transport Officers (21) notes (vi) & (vii) Project Officer Civil Engineering Building Project Manager Terminal Operations Receptionist Manager (Job Share) Duty Managers T3 (4) IT Manager Server & Network Administrator Property Systems Administrator Property Manager Airport Engineer WASP Administrator (Job Share) Duty Managers T1 (5) Technical Systems Support Purchasing/Accounts Payable Building Maintenance Supervisor Technical Officers (13) note (i) Technical Maintenance Supervisor ACC Operators (8) note (ii) Technical Support Officer Desktop Team Leaders (3) Airport Groundspersons (6) note (iii) Airfield Maintenance Supervisor Airfield Operations Manager Senior Airport Operations Officers (4) note (iv) Business Systems Analyst Senior Design Officers (3) Design & Documentation Supervisor Planning Manager Airport Operations Officers (7) note (v) Environment Manager Airport Engineer Environmental Scientist Planning Coordinator Figure 1 Westralia Airports Corporation organisational chart 3.1 Organisation Westralia Airports Corporation was restructured in June The new organisational structure emphases WAC s two main business units Airport and Property (Figure 1). The Environment Section remains in the Corporate Services Department, with the Environment Manager and Environmental Scientist continuing to offer high level environmental services to the corporation. 3.2 Environment Strategy The first WAC Environment Strategy 1998 was approved by the Minister for Transport and Regional Services in August 1998 and subsequently endorsed by the State Government of Western Australia. It was a comprehensive document that provided the basis for ongoing environmental management of Perth Airport and set out WAC s objectives for environmental management over a five-year period. The fifth and final year of the Environment Strategy 1998 occurred during the 2003/2004 reporting period. A new, forward-looking Environment Strategy 2004 was submitted to the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) in 2003/2004 and approved by the Minister for Transport and Regional Services in July The Environment Strategy 2004 builds on the experience of the last five years to focus on specific requirements for the next five-year period, while retaining principles presented in the original strategy. It sets out how WAC will manage its operations to minimise environmental impacts and maintain or improve the environmental health of Perth Airport over the next five years. As part of the Environment Strategy 2004, WAC has made commitments against which environmental management performance can be judged. Progress against these commitments is detailed in this report and summarised in Appendix 1, with work conducted during 2005/2006 detailed in the Status column. 9

12 3.3 Environmental Management System The WAC Environmental Management System (EMS) became fully operational in It was modelled on the internationally recognised ISO standard, ensuring continual improvement in environmental performance through a comprehensive, structured and reliable approach to the environmental management of Perth Airport. In 2003/2004 the Airport Environment Committee recognised that an independent external review of the EMS would offer performance benefits. Consequently, a gap analysis of the EMS was conducted during 2004/2005. During 2005/2006 WAC implemented and/or developed action plans for the implementation of the recommendations made based on the gap analysis. As a result of these recommendations, further documentation of EMS procedures was undertaken, formalising WAC s commitment to high-quality environmental management. In addition, during 2005/2006 the environmental risks associated with WAC s operations and processes were systematically identified and assessed. Reduction of these risks was addressed through the development of operational controls and integration of environmental objectives and targets into existing business processes. For further information on WAC s Environmental Risk Register see Section 3.4. An independent external audit of the EMS will be conducted during 2006/ Environmental Site Register Westralia Airports Corporation maintains a record of environmental conditions and environmental management at Perth Airport as required by the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations The information (the Environmental Site Register) is held in either an electronic format or as paper records, whichever is the most appropriate for the data. The Environmental Site Register includes categories involving numerous aspects of environmental management. The current details of these categories are outlined below. Environmental Issues During 2005/2006 no new issues were added to the Environmental Site Register. Contaminated Sites During 2005/2006 one new contaminated site (the former Feature Tours site) was added to the Environmental Site Register. Further details on contaminated sites are provided in Section 12 of this report. Incidents, Complaints and Enquiries During 2005/2006 the Environmental Site Register had 155 additions under the Incidents, Complaints and Enquiries category, including entries involving: Fuel & oil spills; Other liquid spills; Dust; Habitat; Noise pollution; Unlawful dumping; and Indigenous heritage. Over half of the incidents (59%) were fuel spills of less than 10 litres. Further details on environmental incidents are provided in Section 10 of this report. Flora/Fauna Species Additional flora surveys at Perth Airport were undertaken during 2005/2006. The results of these surveys, and those undertaken in 2004/2005, were added to Flora/Fauna Species category of the Register in 2005/2006. Environmental Risk Register During 2005/2006 WAC s Environmental Risk Register was finalised and included in the Environmental Site Register. Seventy-one risk issues were identified, with 14 of these determined to be significant environmental risks. The significant risks are presented in Appendix 3, together with details of the control measures used to manage these risks during 2005/2006 and proposed works for 2006/2007. Westralia Airports Corporation recognises the importance of prioritising risk management. In April 2006 a Risk Management Sub-Committee of the Board of Directors was formed to address the health, safety, security and environmental risks associated with WAC s operations. 10

13 Highlights in 2005/2006 Substantial revision of the WAC Environmental Management System and the associated procedures through implementation of recommendations from the 2004/2005 gap analysis Finalisation of WAC s Environmental Risk Register Formation of a WAC Board Sub-Committee to address risk management 4 Global Reporting Initiative Westralia Airports Corporation believes that monitoring and reporting environmental performance in a manner consistent with best-practice principles will enable WAC to prepare better for future challenges and opportunities. Moreover, by establishing sound governance and ethics systems throughout all levels of the organisation, WAC will enhance the quality of management systems and performance reporting. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an internationally accepted framework for voluntary sustainability reporting. To provide a more accurate reflection of Australian conditions, the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) has produced a revised set of reporting guidelines, which are consistent with those established in the GRI, but also encompass mandatory reporting requirements and aspects of EMS performance. Westralia Airports Corporation initiated reporting against the environmental indicators detailed in the DEH guide in 2003/2004. During 2005/2006, WAC has continued to increase the number of indicators addressed within this document to include an additional reporting requirement for waste and further detail regarding water. In future years WAC aspires to report against all core DEH requirements. Westralia Airports Corporation s current progress against these indicators is summarised in Appendix 4. 5 Compliance Westralia Airports Corporation and its tenants have a diverse range of environmental obligations as a result of legislation, licence, lease conditions, permits and development approvals. During 2005/2006 no prosecutions or fines were issued against WAC. 6 Noise Management 6.1. Aircraft Noise Management Noise Management Strategy Committee Aircraft noise management is administered through the Noise Management Strategy Committee, which meets quarterly to implement and monitor the Airport Noise Management Strategy. The Committee includes representatives from WAC, Local Government, State and Federal Government departments, Federal Members of Parliament, airlines and community groups. The Committee has made significant progress over the years in the implementation of the Airport Noise Management Strategy with all strategies now reaching conclusions. Committee members are currently considering the future role of the Noise Management Strategy Committee Aircraft Noise Complaints Airservices Australia received 190 noise complaints in relation to aircraft flight operations at Perth Airport during 2005/2006, which is an average of 15.8 per month. Details of aircraft noise complaints from 2005/2006 and previous years are presented in Table 1 and Figures 2 and 3. The number of noise complaints recorded for 2005/2006 is less than the number recorded for 2004/2005, but generally consistent with the annual number of complaints received over the last few years. Due to the subjective nature of noise complaints, caution should be exercised when attempting to establish the cause of any apparent trends in complaint numbers. The decrease in complaints during 2005/2006 may be due to the re-opening of the cross runway, which was closed for reconstruction works. Weather conditions can also greatly affect how noise is perceived. 11

14 Number of Complaints Number of Complaints Table 1 Monthly average noise complaints Year Monthly Average 2002/ per month 2003/ per month 2004/ per month 2005/ per month Figure 2 Total yearly number of aircraft noise complaints / / / /2006 Year Figure 3 Monthly flight noise complaints Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April May Jun Month 2002/ / / / Aircraft Engine Ground Running On-site aircraft noise arising from operations such as ground running is managed through the Aircraft Engine Ground Running Management Plan. Restrictions are set out in the plan as to the time and power settings as well as the locations for engine ground running. The total number of engine ground runs decreased from 1009 in 2004/2005 to 695 in 2005/2006, a decrease of 31.1%, while the number of community complaints decreased from nine to three over the same period. There were 44 dispensations granted for ground runs outside the restrictions in 2005/2006 compared to 35 dispensations in 2004/ Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System Airservices Australia continues to operate their Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System (NFPMS) at Australia s major airports. Operated from a single control centre, the system monitors aircraft operations and their environmental effects at airports across Australia. The Perth component of the NFPMS has five permanently installed Noise Monitoring Terminals located at Cannington, Queens Park, Redcliffe, Greenmount and Guildford. The system displays, in real time, the noise levels being measured by each of the terminals and the flight tracks of the aircraft in the vicinity of the airport. Apart from measuring aircraft noise the terminals also continuously monitor background noise levels. Airservices Australia produces quarterly reports providing information on the data collected, both in tabular and graphical form and includes drawings of aircraft track density plots and flight path maps. These reports are available on the internet at: Aircraft Noise Information The Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) system that is used as the planning tool for land use planning in the vicinity of airports has been established for some time. The ANEF system is a central component of the Australian Standard Australian Noise Exposure Forecast plans show the anticipated noise contours for the most likely development and forecast for an airport. 12

15 airport noise environment are reflected in the 2005 ANEI and N65 plans. The cross runway was reopened towards the end of October 2005 and shortly after aircraft movement patterns returned to normal. An Australian Noise Exposure Index (ANEI) is the actual noise exposure for some previous time period, generally a year. The 2005 ANEI drawing is presented in Figure 4. It shows noise exposure contours at five ANEI intervals between 20 and 40 ANEI. The drawing is based on actual aircraft movement data and shows the average daily aircraft noise exposure around the airport for that year. Australian Noise Exposure Index drawings are used principally as indicators of change of aircraft noise exposure. While still being the recognised land use planning tool, the ANEF system of showing noise exposure contours has significant limitations in assisting the community to understand how aircraft noise directly affects them. The N65 contour map presented in Figure 5 summarises single event data for the year 2005 and shows the whole of airport situation of single event aircraft noise patterns. The noise contours indicate the number of aircraft noise events louder than 65 db(a) (decibels), which occurred on an average day for the year An aircraft noise event of 65 db(a) is the sound level of a noise event that is likely to interfere with conversation, listening to the radio, or television, and may interrupt reading or studying while inside a house with open windows. In 2005 reconstruction work occurred on the shorter cross runway. During the early stages of work, aircraft movements were restricted, and from April to October 2005 this runway was closed to all aircraft. This closure resulted in increased usage of the main, north south runway and these changes to the 6.2 Non-Aeronautical Noise Construction or demolition activities at Perth Airport also have the potential to cause noise impacts that could disturb workers, visitors or neighbours. Where appropriate, developments that occur under a Perth Airport lease require a Construction Environmental Management Plan that must address noise issues prior to the commencement of works. Through this process, the appropriate contract documentation and development controls are established and implemented. In addition, tenant operations may have the potential to cause noise impacts. During 2005/2006 WAC received three complaints from nearby residents regarding noise from the Driver Training and Education Facility (DTEC) located at the airport. In accordance with the noise management procedures described in their Environmental Management Plan, DTEC followed up each noise complaint on an individual basis. In December 2005, DTEC commissioned an environmental acoustic assessment of their operations. A model predicting maximum noise levels from DTEC operations in the area surrounding the facility was produced. During 2006/2007 noise measurements will be recorded from sites in the nearest residential areas to test this model and ensure compliance with the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations Highlights in 2005/2006 Decrease in the number of aeronautical noise complaints received during 2005/2006 Decrease in the number of engine ground runs and community complaints related to engine ground runs During 2006/2007 WAC will continue to work with airlines, Airservices Australia, State and Local Governments, developers and contractors to effectively manage aircraft and construction noise. 13

16 14 Figure 4 Australian Noise Exposure Index (ANEI) 2005

17 15 Figure 5 Annual Average Day N65 for 2005

18 7 Air Quality The State Government undertakes ambient air quality monitoring in Western Australia. The most recent results of this monitoring are available from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). Perth Airport lies between two monitoring stations located at Perth and Caversham. Both of these locations are situated within 10 kilometres of the airport and effectively encompass the airport airshed. The parameters measured at each station are presented in Table 2. Table 2 Air quality parameters measured at Department of Environment and Conservation monitoring stations Monitoring CO O3 NO2 PM 10 PM 10 Visibility Site Hi-Vol TEOM Caversham Perth (Queens Building) Ambient air quality results at the Perth and Caversham stations for 2005 and early 2006 are summarised in Table 3. The Perth and Caversham stations measure regional air quality, and a number of industries contribute to pollutant levels in these areas. Table 3 also shows the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 Ambient Air Quality Standards (A(EP)R AAQ). During 2005/2006, there were no exceedences of these standards. However, in January 2005, the DEC recorded that particles measured as PM10 at both Caversham and Perth exceeded the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Standard. The DEC suggested that these exceedences were caused by a bushfire on the Darling Scarp. As no exceedences have been related to activities at Perth Airport, site specific monitoring is not presently required. However, WAC will continue to examine monitoring data to ensure that if exceedences occur in the future, investigations can be undertaken to determine whether airport operations represent a significant contributory factor. Further information on air quality in the Perth airshed can be obtained at the DEC website: Table 3 Ambient air quality 2005 and 2006 compared to the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 Ambient Quality Standards (A(EP)R AAQ) Air Quality Parameters Perth Caversham A(EP)R AAQ Standard Daily peak 8-hour maximum Carbon monoxide (ppm) 50th percentile NS Daily peak 1-hour maximum Nitrogen dioxide (ppm) 50th percentile NS Daily peak 1-hour maximum NM NM Ozone (ppm) 50th percentile NM NM NS Daily peak 4-hour maximum NM NM Ozone (ppm) 50th percentile NM NM NS 24-hour particles as maximum NS PM10 (Mg/m 3 ) 50th percentile NM NM NS Notes: 2005 is 1 January to 31 December is 1 January to 31 March 2006 NM indicates parameter Not Measured by DEC NS indicates No Standard available for parameter 16

19 7.1 National Pollutant Inventory As part of WAC s air quality management procedures and to fulfil regulatory requirements, an airport emissions inventory of WAC operations is undertaken on an annual basis. The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is an internet database which provides the community, industry and Government with information about emissions from industrial facilities and diffuse sources of 90 different substances to air, land and water. National Pollution Inventory reporting is regulated through the Environmental Protection Act (1986) (Environmental Protection (NEPM NPI) Regulations, 1998) and requires companies and sites that handle more than a specified quantity of any listed NPI substance to estimate and report their emissions of that substance each year. The NPI reporting requirements for airports exclude emissions from aircraft while mobile (take-off, landing or taxiing) or stationary (docked at gate, idling or on-wing engine testing). Emissions when undertaking these activities are reported by the specific airlines. This is the fifth year that airports have been required to report against all 90 NPI listed substances. The 2005/2006 reporting period is the fourth year that WAC has triggered on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and consequently the fourth year that WAC has produced an NPI report. The emissions attributable to WAC operations (including fuel usage by tanks, stationary engines, vehicles and maintenance equipment) during 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 are summarised in Table 4. Emissions of VOCs were greater during 2005/2006 than during 2004/2005. It is likely that this increase is due to general growth of airport operations during 2005/2006. Further details of resource use, including fuel use per passenger, are included in Section 13. Table 4. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions during 2004/2005 and 2005/ / /2006 Total Emissions to Air (kg) Point Sources (kg) Fugitive Sources (kg) Highlights in 2005/2006 No exceedences of the Airport (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 Ambient Air Quality Standards Submitted the fourth NPI report to the Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation During 2006/2007 WAC will continue to assess potential impacts of development proposals on ambient air quality and ensure that all new facilities install adequate pollution control equipment. 8 Water Quality Monitoring 8.1 Water Monitoring Systematic surface water quality monitoring was initiated at Perth Airport in 1998 and has progressively developed into a comprehensive program which includes surface and groundwater quality monitoring and groundwater level gauging. The aim of the program is to aid the management of conservation areas, facilitate environmentally sensitive development and to assist in the identification and management of operations or activities that may be contributing to environmental impact. Water samples are routinely collected from 13 surface water sites and 19 groundwater monitoring bores and analysed for a suite of physico-chemical parameters. Collection is performed by competent staff (as specified in AS/NZS :1998 and AS/NZS :1998) and analysed at NATA accredited laboratories. Following analysis, results are compared with the water quality limits stipulated in the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 (A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria). In addition to water quality sampling, groundwater levels are routinely monitored at 67 bores situated throughout the airport site. The drainage system at Perth Airport and the monitoring locations are shown in Figure 6. Perth Airport continues to be one of the best monitored sites in Western Australia. 17

20 Figure 6. Drainage system and monitoring locations 8.2 Surface Water Quality Stormwater originating from urban areas outside the airport is monitored at four locations as it enters the airport on its eastern boundary (Figure 6). The quality of these waters is indicative of stormwater from the surrounding catchment. Two monitoring locations (sites 27 and 28) are situated at inputs to Munday Swamp on the north eastern boundary, one (site 30) at the entry to the estate on the eastern central boundary and one (site 31) at the input to the Southern Main Drain on the south eastern airport boundary. Once within the airport boundary, waters are principally transported via the Northern and Southern Main Drains and discharged at two locations (sites 24 and 26) on the north western airport boundary. The Domestic Terminal and apron discharge drain (site 25) is also routinely monitored. Detailed investigation has revealed that regional water quality entering the airport does not meet the guidance levels and in some cases surface water quality leaving the airport is better than that flowing in. In line with this trend regular exceedences of the Acceptance Criteria for some substances specified in the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 have occurred during the reporting period, Historical data series for selected heavy metals and nutrients at all monitoring locations on the Southern Main Drain are presented in Figures 7 to 11. Summary statistics for this data are presented in Table 5. 18

21 14.0 Site 31 - Entry Site 32 Site Site 36 Site 34 Site 24 - Exit Site 31 - Entry Site 32 Site 33 Site 36 Site 34 Site 24 - Exit Total N (mg/l) Zn (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date Figure 7 Historical trend of total nitrogen in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain (off-scale sample at site 33 recorded on 8 January 2004 at 50mg/L, see text for discussion). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria = 0.1 mg/l. 0.0 May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date Figure 10 Historical trend of zinc in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain. A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria = mg/l Site 31 - Entry Site 32 Site 33 Site 36 Site 34 Site 24 - Exit S ite E n try Site 32 Site 33 Site 36 Site 34 Site 24 - Exit Total P (mg/l) Cu (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Monitoring Date Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Monitoring Date Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Figure 8 Historical trend of total phosphorous in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain. A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria = 0.01 mg/l. Figure 11 Historical trend of copper in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain (off-scale sample at site 33 recorded on 8 January 2004 at 1.2 mg/l, see text for discussion). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria = mg/l S ite E n try Site 32 Site 33 Site 36 Site 34 Site 24 - Exit 0.03 Pb (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date Figure 9 Historical trend of lead in surface water samples collected along the Southern Main Drain. A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria = mg/l. 19

22 The direction of stormwater flow is generally east to west, hence any contamination caused by activities conducted at the airport will be detected as elevated concentrations of contaminants leaving the site. As shown in Figures 7 to 11, peaks of contaminants such as nutrients and lead are often concurrent at all sites along the Southern Main Drain indicating an off-site source. In addition a decreasing trend was noted for nutrients during the 2005/2006 reporting period. It is however noted that the entire catchment is nutrient enriched, with all samples exceeding the Acceptance Criteria for total nitrogen and 85.3% of analysis exceeding the total phosphorous Acceptance Criteria (Table 5). In some cases, isolated exceedences of nutrients and lead Acceptance Criteria have occurred which cannot be attributed to events initiated outside the airport boundary. It is likely these exceedences (e.g. total phosphorous at site 24 on 10 February 2005; lead at site 36 on 4 September 2003 and site 32 on 30 September 2004) are the result of isolated events or sampling errors and do not reflect ongoing sources of contamination. In all cases, subsequent sample collection indicated that levels returned to typical values within relatively short time-frames. Trend analysis for copper and zinc reveals a somewhat different pattern. Although in some cases concurrent peaks are evident at all sample locations, suggesting an off-site source (e.g. 12 July 2006), a number of other exceedences have occurred at sites within the airport boundary which do not have associated elevations at site 31 (i.e. inflow to the airport estate). These exceedences are centralised around site 33, with marked increases in both copper and zinc since September 2005 suggesting that tenant activities may be resulting in systematic contamination of stormwater. This issue is currently under investigation. For further information refer to Section Nevertheless, surface water concentrations of copper and zinc rapidly decrease downstream, possibly through precipitation processes and scavenging by sediments and organic matter. At the discharge point (site 24) concentrations are generally within Acceptance Criteria levels. In addition to the substances discussed above, routine heavy metal and metalloid analysis includes arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury and nickel. For samples collected between January 2001 and April 2004, detection limits for cadmium and copper were above the Acceptance Criteria. This issue was resolved during 2004/2005, and all substance detection limits are now equal to, or below specified Acceptance Criteria. Examination of the concentrations of the aforementioned substances across the entire dataset indicates that elevations are extremely rare. Sample analysis during 2005/2006 for arsenic, chromium and mercury revealed no exceedences of the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations Table 5 Summary statistics for surface water (entire dataset and 2005/2006) Summary Fe As Cd Cu Cr Pb Hg Ni Zn Total N Total P C6-9 C10-14 C15-28 C29-36 A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l) Min (entire dataset; mg/l) Max (entire dataset; mg/l) Min (2005/2006) BDL BDL BDL BDL Max (2005/2006) BDL BDL BDL BDL Number of exceedences (entire dataset) Number of exceedences (2005/2006) % of samples exceeding Acceptance Criteria (entire dataset) % of samples exceeding Acceptance Criteria (2005/2006) Note: BDL indicates all samples for reporting period Below Detection Limit. 20

23 However, seven and four exceedences for cadmium and nickel respectively, were recorded during 2005/2006. All of the nickel exceedences and the majority (5/7) of the cadmium exceedences occurred at site 33, again indicating that tenant activities in the vicinity of site 33 may be causing systematic contamination of stormwater (see Section 12.1). As with copper and zinc, concentrations of nickel and cadmium decrease downstream, and concentrations at the discharge point are within Acceptance Criteria levels. Hydrocarbon analysis of surface water samples collected throughout the airport site are generally below the Acceptance Criteria. During the entire sampling period, only a small number of surface water samples collected throughout the airport site exhibit hydrocarbon levels above the Acceptance Criteria. During 2005/2006 no exceedences were recorded. 8.3 Groundwater Quality The general direction of groundwater flow through the airport is from east to west. Previous investigations have demonstrated that for some substances regional groundwater quality entering the airport does not meet the guidance levels. As for surface water, results from previous years have revealed regular groundwater exceedences of the Acceptance Criteria for some substances specified in the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations A number of groundwater sampling bores have been drilled specifically to monitor contamination at known or suspected contaminated sites. These include bores at the former Shell Service Station MW8, three historic waste sites MW19, PC and NS and one former construction waste site MW6. Results of groundwater quality monitoring at identified contaminated sites are discussed in Section 12 and are therefore not included in this analysis. Historical data series of heavy metals and nutrients in groundwater are shown for five sites (Figures 12 to 21). Four are located close to airport boundaries (MB7: eastern boundary, MB12: southern boundary, MB3: northern boundary, MB5: western boundary) and the fifth MB14 is located near the centre of the airport estate. Since sampling commenced in 2001, levels of heavy metals at groundwater monitoring sites located on the airport boundaries have fluctuated, and this trend has continued during 2005/2006. Trends for data from boundary sites throughout the entire sampling period include: No samples collected exceeded Acceptance Criteria for arsenic and only single exceedences of cadmium, chromium, mercury and nickel; Forty five percent of samples analysed exceeded the Acceptance Criteria for lead and 57% of the criteria for zinc; and Total phosphorous and total nitrogen levels routinely exceeded Acceptance Criteria (98% and 82% of samples respectively). Levels of analytes recorded at sites MB14 and MB5, located in the central zone of the airport and the western boundary respectively, are consistent with those observed at boundary sites. Therefore, where exceedences have occurred they have been typical of regional trends and current airport activities were not adversely affecting regional groundwater quality. In addition to monitoring known contaminated sites to ensure remediation activities meet WAC requirements, the groundwater quality monitoring program aims to establish local baseline concentrations of potential contaminants. A summary of the historical groundwater data set (excluding the above sites) and determinations made in the 2005/2006 reporting year for heavy metals, nutrients and hydrocarbons is presented in Table 6. 21

24 22

25 0.06 As As 0.20 METALS (excluding Zn; mg/l) C d C u C r P b Hg Ni Zn Zn (mg/l) METALS (excluding Zn; mg/l) C d C u C r P b Hg Ni Zn Zn (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 Monitoring Date May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 Monitoring Date May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Figure 12 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the eastern airport boundary (site MB7). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): As = 0.050, Cd = , Cu = 0.002, Cr = 0.01, Pb = 0.001, Hg = , Ni = 0.015, Zn = Figure 14 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the southern airport boundary (site MB12). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): As = 0.050, Cd = , Cu = 0.002, Cr = 0.01, Pb = 0.001, Hg = , Ni = 0.015, Zn = NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l) Tota l N Tota l P Monitoring Date Figure 13 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the eastern airport boundary (site MB7). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): Total N = 0.1, Total P =

26 As 0.20 NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l) Tota l N Tota l P METALS (excluding Zn; mg/l) C d C u C r P b Hg Ni Zn Zn (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date As 0.16 METALS (excluding Zn; mg/l) C d C u C r P b Hg Ni Zn Zn (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l) Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date Figure 15 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the southern airport boundary (site MB12). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): Total N = 0.1, Total P = 0.01 Figure 18 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the western airport boundary (site MB5). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): As = 0.050, Cd = , Cu = 0.002, Cr = 0.01, Pb = 0.001, Hg = , Ni = 0.015, Zn = Tota l N Tota l P 0.01 Monitoring Date Monitoring Date Figure 16 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected at the northern airport boundary (site MB3). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): As = 0.050, Cd = , Cu = 0.002, Cr = 0.01, Pb = 0.001, Hg = , Ni = 0.015, Zn = Figure 18 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the western airport boundary (site MB5). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): Total N = 0.1, Total P = NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l) May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date Figure 17 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected at the northern airport boundary (site MB3). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): Total N = 0.1, Total P = 0.01 Tota l N Tota l P 24

27 METALS (excluding Zn; mg/l) As C d C u C r P b Hg Ni Zn Zn (mg/l) NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l) Tota l N Tota l P May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 Jun-02 Sept-02 Dec-02 Apr-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 Jan-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Mar-05 Jun-05 Sep-05 Dec-05 Apr-06 Monitoring Date Monitoring Date Figure 20 Historical trend of heavy metals in groundwater samples collected in the central region of the airport (site MB14). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): As = 0.050, Cd = , Cu = 0.002, Cr = 0.01, Pb = 0.001, Hg = , Ni = 0.015, Zn = Figure 21 Historical trend of total nitrogen and phosphorous in groundwater samples collected in the central region of the airport (site MB14). A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l): Total N = 0.1, Total P = 0.01 Table 6 Summary statistics for groundwater (entire dataset and 2005/2006) Summary Fe As Cd Cu Cr Pb Hg Ni Zn Total N Total P C6-9 C10-14 C15-28 C29-36 A(EP)R Acceptance Criteria (mg/l) Min (entire dataset; mg/l) Max (entire dataset; mg/l) Min (2005/2006) Max (2005/2006) Number of exceedences (entire dataset) Number of exceedences (2005/2006) % of samples exceeding Acceptance Criteria (entire dataset) % of samples exceeding Acceptance Criteria (2005/2006) Note: BDL indicates all samples for reporting period Below Detection Limit. 8.4 Surface and Groundwater Modelling One of the aims of WAC s water monitoring program is to utilise the results to develop comprehensive surface and groundwater models. Westralia Airports Corporation engaged consultants in 2004 to undertake a phased investigation of groundwater issues throughout the airport. The second phase of the investigation involved the addition of new bores to provide groundwater monitoring at different levels within the aquifer sequence, hydraulic testing and groundwater quality characterisation. The objectives of this investigation included: The provision of additional monitoring; Identification of the prevalence and significance of upflow recharging the Bassendean Sands aquifer across the airport; Provision of reliable representative hydraulic parameters for the superficial aquifer; Confirmation of assumptions regarding the hydrogeological conceptual model; and Provision of essential data for the calibration of a separate numerical model of the groundwater system. 25

28 Rainfall Evapotranspiration Q out RO (NMD + SMD) + Q out BASEFLOW (NMD + SMD) Q out Bsnd Northern Main Drain Q in Bsnd Southern Main Drain Upward Leakage (Upflow) Q out GFM Downward Leakage (Recharge) Q in GFM Upward Leakage (Upflow) Q out Mirra Downward Leakage (Recharge) Q in Mirra Kardinya Shale (basal confining layer) Figure 22 Schematic conceptual hydrogeological model of Perth Airport Phase three of the investigation is largely complete and has resulted in the development and calibration of a sub-regional numerical groundwater model. During 2005/2006 the model was further refined and developed. The conceptual model developed from the investigation is shown in Figure 22. The models will be a valuable tool in the future for managing the water cycle at Perth Airport. The results of monitoring from the bores installed during 2004/2005 will be used to recalibrate the model during 2006/ Water Level Monitoring Groundwater level gauging is undertaken at 67 bores throughout the airport estate. A significant number of these were installed in 2004/2005 for modelling purposes however, groundwater gauging has been performed at a number of sites since Figure 23 presents a sample hydrograph from bore MB7. The trend clearly shows the seasonal variation in groundwater levels associated with fluctuations in rainfall and recharge. The range in groundwater level at site MB7 is slightly greater than in previous years. This may reflect increased seasonal variability, i.e. increased rainfall during winter 2005, followed by a particularly dry winter in However, as shown in Figure 23, levels recorded during 2005/2006 are generally consistent with the historical trend. Similar data has been derived from a number of other gauging bores indicating that groundwater levels across the airport are stable. It is therefore concluded that present levels of extraction for irrigation and tenant activities are not noticeably affecting aquifer levels. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to monitor water levels and bore water usage during 2006/2007, to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources and environmental protection of wetland habitats. 26

29 bore dry 21.0 occurred during the previous 24 hour period is automatically 20.5 sent to every incident manager and all members of the WAC GROUNDWATER LEVEL (MAHD)) Executive Committee. Incidents are reviewed on a monthly basis, with monthly summaries provided to the Airport Environment Officer. Full details of all environmental incidents that have occurred during the reporting period are also provided to DOTARS, Canberra. Where significant incidents occur, control measures are investigated and remedial actions are jointly 17.5 determined with relevant WAC staff and the Airport Environment 17.0 Sep-00 Dec-00 Mar-01 Jun-01 Oct-01 Jan-02 Apr-02 Aug-02 Nov-02 Feb-03 May-03 Sep-03 Dec-03 Monitoring Date Mar-04 Jul-04 Oct-04 Jan-05 Apr-05 Aug-05 Nov-05 Feb-06 Jun-06 Officer. All incidents are added to the Environmental Site Register (see Section 3.4). This occurs continually to ensure the accuracy Figure 23 Hydrograph from bore MB7 located in the central region of the airport and completeness of the Register. Westralia Airports Corporation categorises incidents into four Highlights in 2005/2006 levels ranging from Level 1, which do not involve a direct impact on the environment, through to Level 4 incidents, which have Annual round of surface and ground water sampling and analysis successfully completed and results documented the potential to result in serious long-term environmental consequences. Occasionally, enquiries or occurrences that have no potential, direct or indirect impact on the environment are recorded in IRIMS for information only these are classified as 9 Soil Monitoring other. During 2005/2006, 155 incidents were reported or detected. The number of incidents of each level for 2004/2005 Routine soil monitoring is not conducted at Perth Airport. and 2005/2006 is presented in Table 7, with further information Details of site-specific soil monitoring are provided in Section 12. on incidents of each level detailed below. There were no significant 10 Managing Environmental Incidents During 2005/2006 WAC fully implemented a new airport-wide incident management system using Incident Reporting and Information Managing Software (IRIMS). This system incorporates health, safety, security and environment, notifying the relevant personnel as each incident is entered. For a number of years WAC has had an established system for recording and reporting incidents that result in, or have the potential to result in, adverse discharges to water or soil during the reporting period. LEVEL 1 - Technical issues not involving a direct impact on the environment There were 11 Level 1 incidents during 2005/2006, including several instances of unlawful dumping. Complaints regarding noise from the Driver Training and Education Centre located at Perth Airport are also included in this category. Section 6.2 of this report provides further detail on noise complaints. environmental impacts. For environmental incidents, complaints and enquiries, IRIMS builds on the framework provided by the established system. With the exception of fuel spills, all environmental incidents are reported directly to the Environment Manager or Environmental Scientist and the details recorded in IRIMS. Fuel spills are reported to Senior Operations Officers and are recorded directly in to IRIMS. An IRIMS Daily Digest with details of all incidents (safety, security and environment) that 27

30 LEVEL 2 - Minor near-miss incidents that do not have a direct impact on the environment (i.e. fuel spills on the apron) There were 136 Level 2 incidents during 2005/2006. The majority of Level 2 incidents during 2005/2006 were fuel (including avgas, diesel and petrol) and oil spills on the apron, with 117 spills totalling 2393 litres. This represents an increase in both the number of spills and total spill volume compared to 2004/2005, although these values are comparable to previous years. The number and volume of spills for the past seven years are detailed in Table 8. Five major ( >_100L) fuel spills occurred during 2005/2006, contributing to the high total spill volume. Details of these spills are summarised in Table 9. LEVEL 3 - Incidents resulting in a short-term impact on the environment LEVEL 4 - Incidents resulting in potentially serious consequences and/or a long term impact on the environment No Level 4 incidents were reported at Perth Airport during 2005/2006. Table 7 Environmental incidents 2004/ /2006 Level Level Level Level Other 2 4 TOTAL Table 8 Annual fuel and oil spill comparison There were four Level 3 incidents during 2005/2006, including: Clearing of vegetation outside the area specified in the works permit during works associated with the installation of a high-tension power cable in Precinct 2B; Unauthorised tree clearing in Conservation Precinct 7 in association with track maintenance being conducted in the area; Mulch fire at Silverleigh site spread airside to areas of grass and bush; and Oil in open unlined drain on Reid Road source identified as Cummins facility. Westralia Airports Corporation is committed to minimising the occurrence of Level 3 incidents and considers each one very seriously. Every Level 3 incident is followed-up and reviewed on an individual basis, and systems and procedures are modified to prevent re-occurrences wherever possible. Fuel Oil 1999/ 2000/ 2001/ 2002/ 2003/ 2004/ 2005/ Volume (L) No. of spills Volume (L) No. of spills Table 9 Major ( >_100L) fuel and oil spill summary Date Type Volume (L) Company Aircraft/Vehicle Responsible Registration 8/1/2006 Fuel 230 Qantas B747 19/1/2006 Fuel 100 Qantas PK-GZG 24/1/2006 Fuel 120 Qantas B717 8/2/2006 Fuel 100 National Jet Systems BAE /5/2006 Fuel 750 Skywest F100 28

31 Westralia Airports Corporation has greatly improved incident management practices with the full implementation of the IRIMS system during 2005/2006. The new system has improved ease of recording and raised awareness of incidents and incident reporting through the automatic Daily Digests. Monthly review of incidents by the WAC Environment Team and consistent follow-up has also raised awareness of incident reporting within WAC. Therefore, the increased total number of incidents may in part be due to increased vigilance in incident reporting. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to emphasise systematic reporting and thorough review of incidents during 2006/2007. Highlights in 2005/2006 Full implementation of a new airport-wide incident management system was achieved No Level 4 incidents occurred 11 Managing Ecology, Culture and Heritage 11.1 Conservation Areas Two environmentally significant areas with high conservation priority were designated as reserves in the Master Plan The conservation status of these areas (Precincts 5 and 7) was reinforced in the Master Plan Precinct 5 is located in the south east sector of the airport and Precinct 7 in the north east sector. Areas of remnant bushland and ethnographic importance are reserved in the Conservation Precincts, including the Register of the National Estate (RNE) listed Munday Swamp Bushland and Forrestfield Bushland. Important habitats for a diverse range of fauna including the Southern Brown Bandicoot are preserved in the conservation areas. The Conservation Precincts represent 310 hectares, or approximately 30% of non-aeronautical zoned land at Perth Airport. Westralia Airports Corporation s aim is to conserve and where possible enhance natural vegetation within conservation areas. These areas receive first priority for fire protection, disease control, rehabilitation and revegetation. Westralia Airports Corporation maintained and enhanced the quality of habitat in the conservation areas during 2005/2006 through initiatives in water monitoring, rehabilitation, weed control and vertebrate pest control Rehabilitation During 2005/2006, WAC monitored, maintained and expanded rehabilitation programs initiated during the previous reporting period. Rehabilitation continues in areas of Conservation Precinct 5 (including unused tracks and a constructed wetland), an area near the Poison Gully Branch Drain, and Fauntleroy Basin. In addition, a new revegetation project was undertaken in Conservation Precinct 7. Precinct 5 Tracks Rehabilitation of the tracks in Precinct 5 has progressed well. Monitoring during 2005/2006 indicated that total native plant cover, plant development and average plant heights have increased at the majority of monitoring sites. Native plant densities have decreased at all monitoring sites, however the majority of individual plants have not yet reached reproductive maturity, so this decrease may be the result of a natural attrition rate that is higher than the natural recruitment rate. The recent dry period may have also contributed to the decrease in native plant densities. Weed levels across the site remain low, with monitored levels of weed cover ranging between one and four percent, demonstrating the effectiveness of WAC s comprehensive weed control program. Remediation methods used in the track areas have been successful. Monitoring during 2005/2006 continues to indicate that the use of translocated topsoil has produced a relatively high species richness that would not have been achieved by using direct seeding or seedling planting methods. In addition, distribution of logs and brushing effectively prohibited illegal vehicular access into the rehabilitation areas. Monitoring of the rehabilitated tracks during 2005/2006 identified a small number of areas that require further remedial action. During 2006/2007 WAC will initiate additional remediation at these sites, including direct seeding at a rate of 3 kilograms/ hectare and planting of 1440 seedlings. The remediation area comprises approximately 14% of the original track rehabilitation area. 29

32 Figure 24 Track rehabilitation Westralia Airports Corporation expanded the Precinct 5 track rehabilitation program during 2005/2006, remediating a further 1.8 kilometres of tracks. Tracks were covered with mulch and brushing composed of vegetation consistent with the vegetation types in adjacent areas (Figure 24). The closure and rehabilitation of unused tracks is part of WAC s long-term strategy to provide large areas with no ongoing anthropogenic disturbance. This will provide suitable habitats for native fauna and minimise the spread of weeds by unauthorised vehicular access. During 2005/2006 the WAC Property and Environment teams worked together to instigate a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful entry to the Perth Airport Estate, including Conservation Precincts 5 and 7. Westralia Airports Corporation upgraded the fence and gate repair program and increased security patrols, with warning notices issued to anyone found trespassing. Additional tracks around the wetland and Precinct 5 were closed with logs and brushing, and to prevent motorbike access and create additional habitat, logs were placed in the drain adjacent to the wetland. (Figure 26). During 2006/2007 WAC will work together with the WA Police to continue targeting unlawful entry at Perth Airport. Weed control is an important aspect of rehabilitation. The intensive weed control program undertaken by WAC at the constructed wetland has been successful, with monitoring during 2005/2006 indicating that weed cover has reduced significantly. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to target weed control in the constructed wetland rehabilitation area during 2006/2007. Further details on WAC s weed control program for 2005/2006 are provided in Section Constructed Wetland During 2003/2004 a wetland was constructed in Conservation Precinct 5 from a previously abandoned, weed-infested sand quarry. Monitoring during 2005/2006 indicates that in some of the wetland areas rehabilitation is progressing well, with relatively high native cover and low weed cover. However, trespassing vehicles and predation by rabbits have heavily impacted other areas. Westralia Airports Corporation recognised that additional remedial works were required in the constructed wetland, so as part of the Perth Airport Planting Week 2006, students from Maida Vale Primary School planted 1559 tree and shrub seedlings in this area (Figure 25). An additional 358 trees and shrubs will be planted in August 2006, with 10,000 rushes and sedges to be planted by school groups in the wetland basin in September All of the seedlings planted at the constructed wetland are grown from provenance seed stock collected at the airport. Figure 25 Wetland rehabilitation 30

33 Figure 26 Logs in drain Figure 27 Fauntleroy Basin Poison Gully Branch Drain A rehabilitation plan for Poison Gully Branch Drain was developed and implemented in cooperation with the Airport Environment Officer during 2003/2004. Monitoring during 2005/2006 indicates that all measurable aspects of the rehabilitation are demonstrating long term progress. Plant numbers, plant density, species richness, foliage cover, and average plant height have all increased. In addition, weed cover has decreased in all areas, reflecting the success of WAC s extensive weed control program during 2005/2006. The original rehabilitation plan indicated that a 12 metre wide strip adjacent to the drain reserve would be left to regenerate naturally. However, to accelerate remediation, this 12 metre wide strip was cultivated and direct seeded in June 2005 with provenance seed collected on airport land. Monitoring during 2005/2006 indicates that rehabilitation in this 12 metre strip has not been successful, largely as a result of high weed cover. The 12 metre strip was included in the extensive weed control program undertaken near the Poison Gully Branch Drain. During 2006/2007 weed control will continue to be a priority in this area and further direct seeding will be undertaken, provided monitoring indicates the weeds have been successfully controlled. During 2006/2007 continued monitoring and weed management will be conducted in the Poison Gully Branch Drain rehabilitation area to ensure the final vegetation assemblage reflects the composition of adjacent vegetation. Fauntleroy Basin During 2004/2005, WAC initiated a revegetation project at a compensating basin on Fauntleroy Avenue, near the Domestic Terminal (Figure 27). Westralia Airports Corporation worked together with the City of Belmont to develop the project, which involved revegetating the basin banks a total area of approximately 4,500 square metres. Monitoring during 2005/2006 indicated that the survival rate for this initial planting was approximately 50%. As part of the Perth Airport Planting Week 2006, students from Gooseberry Hill Primary School planted an additional 2,125 seedlings at Fauntleroy Basin in June Weed control has been ongoing in this area, and monitoring indicates that weed cover has been significantly reduced during 2005/2006. Regular monitoring and weed control will continue over the next few years, as WAC works to develop a functioning natural habitat at this site. Munday Swamp During 2005/2006, WAC commenced the first stage of rehabilitation works in an area of Conservation Precinct 7 between Munday Swamp and Abernethy Road. Westralia Airports Corporation undertook weed control to prepare the area for revegetation. In addition, as part of the Perth Airport Planting Week 2006, students from Forrestfield, Dawson Park and Woodlupine primary schools planted 3,592 tree and shrub seedlings. The seedlings were planted in a strip 20 metres wide by 900 metres long to create a buffer between Abernethy Road and Munday Swamp. An additional 495 seedlings will be planted in the buffer strip in July Weed control in this area will continue during 2006/2007, with the aim to commence broad scale rehabilitation of the paddock area in future years. 31

34 Legend Grass specific (once) Grass specific (twice) Spot spray (twice) Boom spray (twice) Grass specific and spot spray (once) Spot spray (once) and grass specific (once) Basal Bark / Stem Inject / Cut & Paint (once) Precinct 5 Precinct 7 Figure 28 Weed Control in Conservation Precincts 5 and 7 during 2005/ Weed Management Westralia Airports Corporation undertook an extensive weed control program during 2005/2006, including spot spraying, boom spraying, grass specific herbicide applications and basal bark and stem injections. Current and future rehabilitation areas were targeted, although areas across both Conservation Precincts were treated. Details of WAC s weed control program during 2005/2006 are shown in Figure 28. Effective weed control is an important aspect of WAC s commitment to maintain and enhance the condition of Conservation Precincts 5 and 7, and during 2006/2007 weed management will remain a priority Biodiversity Impacts Westralia Airports Corporation reports against the Global Reporting Initiative reporting guidelines. As part of this initiative, WAC has committed to providing information in this report on major impacts on land, water and biodiversity associated with WAC activities. Details of site development at Perth Airport during 2005/2006 are provided in Table 10. In accordance with land-use zoning designated in the Master Plan 2004, approximately 34.9 hectares of vegetation was cleared at Perth Airport during 2005/2006. Areas at Perth Airport are assigned a vegetation priority rating from 1 (highest) to 3 (lowest) as defined by the Environment Strategy The majority of vegetation cleared during 2005/2006 (approximately hectares) is classified as Priority 3, that is generally fragmented areas containing vegetation in poorer condition, with vegetation generally rated as Obvious Disturbance, Severely Disturbed or Degraded. No areas containing Priority 1 vegetation were cleared during 2005/2006. During 2005/2006 WAC commissioned a review of the monitoring regime to allow ecological health of environmentally significant areas to be assessed. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to report on biodiversity impacts in future years, and measures of ecological health will be reported for the first time during 2006/

35 Table 10 Site development during 2005/2006. Priority vegetation types are defined in the Environment Strategy 2004 Total Area Area of Priority Vegetation Cleared (ha) Developed (ha) Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Precinct Nil Nil Nil Precinct 2C 90.2 Nil /Future Aeronautical Precinct 2A 1.6 Nil Nil Nil Precinct Nil Nil Nil Precinct 4 Nil Nil Nil Nil Precinct 6 Nil Nil Nil Nil General* 2.3 Nil TOTAL Nil * Power cable installation and Southern Main Drain diversion 11.5 Vertebrate Pest Management Introduced pests such as rabbits, foxes and feral cats pose a threat to the native flora and fauna within the Conservation Precincts. Westralia Airports Corporation has adopted a target and control approach to manage vertebrate pests at the airport. The objective of the program is to enhance the survivorship of the native fauna through reduced competition and predation. Monitoring of both vertebrate pests and native fauna is undertaken by a licensed contractor at a number of sites, and control efforts undertaken in response to the monitoring results. Figure 29 indicates the location of the monitoring sites and control areas. Control methods are carefully selected to control target species without adversely impacting native fauna. The effectiveness of the control program is illustrated in Figures 30 and 31. The figures indicate that during 2005/2006 control efforts for both rabbits and foxes were effective. The November 2005 rabbit control program was disrupted by regular rainfall events, increasing the availability of food sources (new plant growth) and reducing the on-the-ground duration of the However, Figure 30 shows that although rabbit track numbers increased slightly following the initial baiting in November 2005, rabbit track numbers decreased greatly following the second baiting event in April This program with two baiting events has proven successful, so WAC will continue with this approach during 2006/2007. Figure 31 indicates that the methods used to control foxes (both 1080 baiting and trapping) were effective, with a substantial decrease in fox track numbers by the end of the reporting period. Six foxes were trapped during 2005/2006. Secondary poisoning of foxes as a result of rabbit baiting may also have contributed to the success of the fox control program. Only three feral cat tracks were detected at the four monitoring sites during 2005/2006. However, WAC initiated control measures since anecdotal evidence indicated that several feral cats were active at the airport. Cage traps were used during October 2005, May 2006 and June 2006, resulting in the capture of seven feral cats and one domestic cat, which was released. Anecdotal evidence suggests that at least five feral cats still remain in the area. Westralia Airports Corporation will target these feral cats over the next few months, continuing the monitoring and trapping program during 2006/2007. During 2005/2006, a licensed contractor undertook 1080 baiting, pindone baiting and trapping to effectively control vertebrate pests at Perth Airport. Warning signs erected prior to and during baiting events. Pindone use was restricted to small areas where 1080 use was not considered appropriate, and pindone applied only if no non-target native fauna were at risk. 33

36 Figure 29 Vertebrate pest (rabbit, fox and cat) monitoring sites, rabbit and fox control areas, and bandicoot monitoring sites A A 50 B C D 12 B C D No. of Rabbit Tracks July 2005 February 2006 April 2006 June 2006 Monitoring Date Figure 30 Number of rabbit tracks recorded at four monitoring sites (A-D) during 2005/2006. Rabbit baiting was undertaken in November 2005 and April 2006 No. of Fox Tracks July 2005 February 2006 April 2006 June 2006 Monitoring Date Figure 31 Number of fox tracks recorded at four monitoring sites (A-D) during 2004/2005. Fox baiting was undertaken in October 2005 and May

37 11.6 Fauna Monitoring One of the main objectives of WAC s vertebrate pest control program is to increase the viability of native fauna populations through reduced competition and predation by pest species. In keeping with this objective, during 2003/2004 WAC initiated a monitoring program to assess whether the number of Southern Brown Bandicoots (Isoodon obeslus) present at the airport was increasing. This monitoring program was continued during 2005/2006. Figure 32 shows that bandicoot numbers have fluctuated throughout 2005/2006. However, there has been a net increase in total bandicoot numbers during the reporting period (130 tracks in July 2005 to 142 in June 2006). In addition, total bandicoot numbers increased from 446 in 2004/2005 to 532 in 2005/2006. These outcomes suggest that WAC s vertebrate pest control program is having a positive long-term impact on the survivorship of native fauna populations. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to monitor bandicoot numbers during 2006/2007. Highlights in 2005/2006 Successful progress of rehabilitation demonstrated by monitoring results A further 1.8 kilometres of tracks rehabilitated 7,276 seedlings planted Commenced Stage 1 rehabilitation of Conservation Precinct 7 Effective control of vertebrate pests during 2005/2006 Increased bandicoot numbers indicated by monitoring As part of WAC s successful program to conserve and manage environmentally significant areas, during 2006 / 2007 WAC will continue to monitor rehabilitation areas, and maintain and improve ecologically significant areas. No. of Bandicoots July 2005 February 2006 April 2006 June 2006 Monitoring Date Figure 32 Number of bandicoots trapped at four monitoring sites (A-D) during 2005/ Contaminated Site Management 12.1 AGR Matthey As a result of past industrial activities undertaken by AGR Matthey, contamination has occurred at their site on Horrie Miller Drive resulting in impacts on soil and groundwater. Investigations have indicated that contamination is principally the result of leakage from an underground effluent treatment storage tank and its associated underground pipework. Contaminated water runoff resulting from a fire at the site also contributed to the impact. The contamination has been shown to spread as a groundwater plume to the north and north west of the AGR Matthey plant. The contaminants of concern at the site are heavy metals, principally copper, zinc and to a lesser extent nickel. Average concentrations within the plume are in the order of 3.5 mg/l for copper and 22 mg/l for zinc. However as expected hot spot concentrations are higher, peaks reported for the plume are in the order of 170 mg/l for copper and 530 mg/l for zinc. An accredited contaminated sites consultant was engaged during the reporting period to develop a Remedial Action Plan. This plan will be submitted to the Federal Government and WAC A B C D 35

38 At the time of publication of this report, AGR Matthey had not provided current monitoring results or up-to-date information on the status and extent of the groundwater plume. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to work with Airport Environment Officer to ensure that the contamination is accurately defined and remediated in a timely manner Shell Service Station As a result of past activity on the site, soil beneath the former Shell Service Station site on Brearley Avenue has been impacted by hydrocarbons (fuel). Historic monitoring has shown that the spatial distribution of the plume was stable. Passive skimming was suspended during the 2004/2005 reporting period as no recoverable phase-separated hydrocarbons were detected in the monitoring wells. Groundwater monitoring was not performed by Shell Australia during the 2005/2006 reporting period. This is not consistent with the requirements of the Federal Government. Perth Airport and the Airport Environment Officer will work during the 2006/07 reporting period to ensure Shell Australia resumes monitoring at the site. A study of the natural attenuation capacity of the plume was undertaken during 2004/2005, however there was no conclusive evidence that natural attenuation was occurring. Hence, the results of the study precluded the use of monitored natural attenuation as an option for site remediation. Shell Australia made a commitment to undertake a further detailed examination of the risk posed by the hydrocarbon plume during the 2005/2006 reporting period, however that was not performed Airservices Australia Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting The liquid waste treatment system attached to the Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) fire training pad was initially fitted with a Spinifex separation system, but the system did not effectively remove the residual kerosene once it had become emulsified with fire fighting foam. In 2004/2005 the separation system was upgraded to include a Mycelx post-separation filtration system however, subsequent sampling indicated that hydrocarbon concentrations remained above Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 Acceptance Criteria. Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting are currently investigating the installation of a pressurised sewer line to the training ground, to remove the water off-site. Equipment will be installed to initially process liquid wastes from the training pad through an oil/water separator to remove the bulk of the hydrocarbons, then pass the effluent into a settlement pond. Effluent from the pond would then be pumped through an Ultra Spin separator before being discharged to the sewer. Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting are currently awaiting approval to undertake the system upgrades. In the interim, ARFF truck the liquid waste from the fire training ground to the nearest sewer point under an agreement with the Water Corporation Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd The lease for Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd (BHPL) commenced on 15 December 2005 for the purpose of recycling construction and demolition materials. During the reporting period BHPL worked to reduce the volume of existing construction and demolition stockpiles produced by earlier tenants. The site was not leased during the period 1 July 2005 to 14 December The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) prepared for BHPL by Cardno BSD in 2005 included a commitment to reduce and remediate existing stockpiles by a volume of 17,000 cubic metres. The volume reduction of 29,631 cubic metres during the reporting period exceeded the target commitment. Following the removal of a large stockpile, BHPL implemented a soil sampling and analysis program to validate the area previously occupied by the stockpile to assess that no residual contaminants were present in the soil at concentrations in excess of the accepted limits as per the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations The results of analyses indicate that the soil samples collected from the site were not impacted by contaminants at concentrations that exceeded the accepted limit. The EMP includes a commitment to remove and remediate the remaining stockpiles by 15 December Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd reported that, during the 2005/2006 reporting period, only inert construction and demolition materials were permitted to be brought onto the site. Product QA Sampling Programs (PQASPs) were implemented at the request of clients which required material for off-site use - no construction and 36

39 demolition materials were re-used on site. Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd has re-affirmed its commitment to undertake PQASPs on soils intended for re-use within the BHPL lease area. In June 2006 BHPL implemented a five-day airborne asbestos exposure risk assessment to determine whether the work environment presented a safety and health risk. Air monitoring results indicated that the number of fibres measured per millilitre of air were below the laboratory detection limit. The results of the personal testing regime and the control monitors set up on the site were considered adequate to satisfy the annual requirement for monitoring for airborne asbestos. Groundwater monitoring was performed during 2005/2006 in accordance with the environmental commitments for the site as presented in the EMP. Elevated concentrations of metals detected in groundwater sampled from the site were relatively consistent across the site and may be representative of background concentrations. Analysis of groundwater samples collected from a number of monitoring wells indicated that the concentrations of dissolved-phase heavy fraction hydrocarbons (>C9) were below the accepted limits for fresh water as per the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations Westralia Airports Corporation is working together with the tenant to ensure further detailed site investigation is undertaken. Results of this investigation will be submitted to the AEO. The management of surface water is being addressed through a Drainage Management Plan which had not been finalised at the conclusion of the reporting period. Works have been undertaken on the site to create a small stormwater retention basin to contain drainage from sub-surface drains within the stockpile area. The retention basin did not overflow during the reporting period, and consequently no sampling was required. Noise and dust was managed in accordance with the site EMP and no complaints were received regarding the operation of the site Joint Operations Storage Facility Hydrocarbon contamination of soil and groundwater has occurred at the Joint Operations Storage Facility site as part of normal commercial activities. The areas of impact are mainly associated with underground fuel pipes, underground storage tanks, triple interceptor oil separator pits and fuel dispensing points. Environmental investigations and groundwater monitoring have been performed at the site since Site assessments have shown that soils in areas of the Joint Operations Supply Facility tank farm and the depots operated by Air BP, Mobil and Shell are impacted with hydrocarbons, and that dissolvedphase and phase-separated hydrocarbons have been historically detected in groundwater monitoring wells on the site. Groundwater monitoring continued on the site during the reporting period and sampling was performed in December 2005 and May/June Figures 33 and 34 show contours of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in groundwater in December 2005 and June 2006, respectively. As in previous years, analytical results exhibit a high degree of variability. However, in the June 2006 monitoring round phase-separated hydrocarbons were not observed. BP Australia has indicated that more data on natural attenuation of the hydrocarbon plume is required before a meaningful analysis of the natural attenuation chemistry can be undertaken. BP Australia has presented WAC with a Remedial Action Plan for the site which includes a program to excavate impacted soil vertically and laterally to an extent where the hydrocarbon concentrations in the soil are below the accepted limits as per the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations This remedial plan and the data upon which it is based are currently being assessed by a certified contaminated sites auditor. Based on the findings of the audit it is proposed to finalise the remedial plan and commence remedial activity during 2006/

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41 12.6 Feature Tours During 2005/2006, works to decommission the former Feature Tours site on Ross Drove, fuel dispensing equipment and an underground storage tank were undertaken. The works, which included the excavation of the underground storage tank (UST), underground pipework and a fuel dispensing bowser, were monitored by an environmental consultant. The consultant reported that the tank, pipework and pits were in good condition and that there were no visual indications of hydrocarbon leakage. Photo Ionisation Detector (PID) testing performed on soil samples collected from beneath the bowser indicated there were volatile organic compounds present, suggesting hydrocarbon contamination of the soil. The soil from around the tank and from the location where the bowser had been was excavated to form a single pit. As part of the normal procedure to assess whether significant soil contamination is present following the removal of USTs, site validation samples were collected from the walls and base of the pit. Analysis of the soil samples collected from the location of the bowser indicated that the soil was impacted with hydrocarbons at concentrations which exceeded the accepted limits specified in the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 (A(EP)R). As a result, further soil excavation was performed at that location. Following the additional excavation, analytical results of analyses of the samples from the base and sides of the pit indicated that the soil was not impacted with hydrocarbons or BTEX (benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene and xylenes) at concentrations in exceedance of the A(EP)R acceptance criteria. Based on those results, the pit was considered to be satisfactorily validated. The pit was backfilled with clean sand fill. The soil excavated from the pit was tested as suitable for disposal to a Class I landfill. Disposal of the soil was undertaken by licensed contractors. As part of the site sampling, soil samples were collected adjacent to an operational wastewater interceptor using a hand auger. Volatile Organic Compounds were not detected in the soil by PID tests. Laboratory analysis of the soil samples indicated that hydrocarbons and BTEX concentrations were below detection limits and it was considered that no further investigation was warranted in relation to the triple interceptor McCombe Road Fuel Bowsers The WAC fuel bowsers on McCombe Road have been listed on the Contaminated Sites Register since December As part of WAC s comprehensive water monitoring program (see Section 8), groundwater quality at the McCombe Road site (bore MW3) is monitored on a quarterly basis. During the 2005/2006 monitoring, a number of exceedences of the Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 were recorded for hydrocarbons (i.e. C6-9 and C10-14) at bore MW3. In some cases the hydrocarbon exceedences were associated with elevated levels of heavy metals. Westralia Airports Corporation will undertake further investigation during 2006/2007, and will enter into discussion with the Airport Environment Officer regarding the status of the site. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to monitor groundwater quality at this site and provide the results of the monitoring the Airport Environment Officer. 39

42 Figure 33 Contour lines of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in groundwater at the Joint Operations Supply Facility, December 2005 Figure 34 Contour lines of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in groundwater at the Joint Operations Supply Facility, June

43 Highlights in 2005/2006 Commencement of remediation of construction and demolition stockpiles at the Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd site, with rapid reduction in stockpile volume No residual contamination detected at the Balwyn Hazelmere Pty Ltd site following removal of the stockpiles Remedial Action Plan submitted by BP Australia for remediation of the Joint Operations Supply Facility 13 Resource Use Management Westralia Airports Corporation recorded and reported resource use data in a systematic fashion for the third consecutive year during 2005/2006. Electricity, gas and water are used at WAC for lighting, heating, cooling and public amenity facilities within the Domestic and International Terminals, offices and external public areas. The principal uses of diesel and petrol are for the operation of vehicles, however a small proportion of total use results from the operation of generators and maintenance equipment. Resource use consumption at Perth Airport for the past three years is summarised in Tables 11 and 12. In accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Guidelines 2002, resource use data is presented here as both total consumption and normalised as consumption per passenger. Westralia Airports Corporation recognises that for some of the resource use data (e.g. water usage) there may be more appropriate factors for normalising data than passenger numbers. This will be investigated further during 2006/2007. During 2005/2006 WAC developed methods to determine groundwater and surface water usage and is reporting these for the first time in Table 11, together with the potable water usage. As a result of this initiative, WAC is now fully compliant with the EN5 reporting requirement presented in the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. For more information on WAC s commitment to the Global Reporting Initiative see Section 4 and Appendix 2 of this report. Potable water usage during 2005/2006 has more than doubled since 2004/2005. Westralia Airports Corporation has undertaken substantial earthworks associated with development during 2005/2006 (see Table 10 in Section 11.4 for more information on site development during 2005/2006), and it is likely that this has contributed to the increase in water usage. Potable water was used during earthworks to control dust and to increase the moisture content of sand fill to achieve maximum compaction. This practice has since ceased, and during 2006/2007 water required for earthworks will be sourced from low grade groundwater rather than potable water. Leaking pipes and valves in the airport water mains may also have contributed to the increase in water usage during 2005/2006. Westralia Airports Corporation considers efficient resource use a priority, and has commissioned a specialist maintenance service company to assess the current condition of WAC water assets and provide recommendations regarding maintenance and replacement of the water network. Westralia Airports Corporation will investigate the implementation of these recommendations during 2006/2007, with the aim of decreasing potable water usage and increasing efficiency of the system. Energy consumption is detailed in Table 12. Total electricity usage has increased during 2005/2006. However, the normalised consumption per passenger data for electricity has decreased slightly. When passenger numbers are taken into consideration, electricity usage during 2005/2006 is comparable to previous years. Table 12 indicates that both total consumption and consumption per passenger of gas, diesel and ULP have increased in 2005/2006. The increase in gas usage may be due to: An upgrade of a boiler in the International Terminal to a larger model; and A small gas leak in the system - detected and repaired during the reporting period. In addition, increases in diesel and ULP usage can be attributed to: An increase in the number vehicles owned and operated by WAC; An increase in kilometres travelled during the reporting period; and Increased usage of mobile generators (used as back-up facilities during power malfunctions). The increases in gas, diesel and ULP have resulted in a cumulative increase in total direct energy use. 41

44 Westralia Airports Corporation measured and reported indirect energy use for the second time in 2005/2006. Indirect energy is defined in the DEH reporting guidelines as the energy consumed to produce and transmit the electricity used by an organisation. Westralia Airports Corporation s indirect energy use was calculated based on electricity consumption, and network loss and electricity generator efficiency factors provided by Western Power. A pool of generators with a range of efficiencies is used by Western Power, hence indirect energy use is presented here as a range. Approximately 28.2 to 39.5 MJ per passenger of expenditure by Western Power was required for WAC to deliver 8.6 MJ of electricity per passenger. The increase in indirect energy usage during 2005/2006 can be attributed to the increase in electricity consumption and an increase in the transmission loss factor. Westralia Airports Corporation will continue to monitor indirect energy usage during 2006/2007. The amount of solid waste landfilled by WAC during 2005/ 2006 is presented in Table 13. Waste weights were recorded at the time of collection, or calculated from the bin size, number of bin pick-ups, percentage of bin full, and the typical density of office waste (obtained from the United Kingdom Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Environmental Reporting Guidelines for Companies Reporting on Waste 2000). The waste values presented in Table 13 include waste from WAC offices and terminal operations, as well as waste from tenants located in the terminals. It is possible that the variation observed from year to year is apparent rather than actual, and falls within the margin of error for the data. However, there have been some changes to operations during 2005/2006 that also may have caused variation, including: An increase in building waste from the construction of offices and shop interiors in Terminal 1; Improved housekeeping procedures in Terminal 1 during the reporting period; and A reduction in construction (and hence construction waste) in Terminal 3 compared to the previous reporting period. Table 11 Water usage Total Consumption (m 3 ) Consumption Per Passenger (L) 2003/ / / / / /2006 Potable Water * Groundwater NM NM NM NM 24.4 Surface Water NM NM Nil NM NM Nil TOTAL NM NM NM NM 59.0 Note: NM indicates Not Measured; * indicates value inaccurate see Perth Airport 2004/2005 Environmental Report Table 12 Energy consumption Total Consumption (MJ) Consumption Per Passenger (MJ) 2003/ / / / / / Electricity Gas * Diesel ULP Total Direct Energy Use Indirect Energy Use Note: * indicates value inaccurate see Perth Airport 2004/2005 Environmental Report

45 Westralia Airports Corporation is committed to reducing landfilled solid waste. In June 2006, WAC together with Amcor Recycling Australasia, initiated a recycling trial for paper and cardboard waste in Terminal 1 (International), Terminal 3 (Multi-User Domestic) and the WAC Administration buildings. The results of the eight week trial are detailed in Table 14. The trial was very successful, with staff and tenants alike embracing the recycling initiative. During 2006/2007 WAC will implement an efficient and cost effective paper and cardboard recycling program. In addition, WAC will investigate expanding the program to include plastic packaging. Several tenants outside of the terminals have also expressed an interest in participating in a recycling program WAC will investigate this further during 2006/2007 through the Major Tenant Environment Forum. It is noted that WAC does not produce any hazardous goods as part of normal operations. However, WAC is responsible for disposal of materials (absorbent cloth etc.) used in fuel and oil spill clean up. During 2005/2006 1,600 litres of this controlled waste was disposed by licensed contractors. Licensed contractors are also used if hazardous goods are located and require removal. Table 14 Recycling trial results weight of paper / cardboard recycled during the eight week trial period Weight Recycled (kg) WAC Administration 990 Terminal 1 (International) Terminal 3 (Multi User Domestic) Total Highlights in 2005/2006 Decrease in electricity consumption per passenger Developed methods for determining groundwater and surface water use, and reported on groundwater and surface water use for the first time Initiated a paper and cardboard recycling trial to reduce amount of waste landfilled During 2006/2007 WAC will continue to record and report resource usage. Westralia Airports Corporation seeks to continually improve recording and reporting of resource use data, and a reasonable margin of error should be considered when attempting to interpret this data. Table 13 Landfilled solid waste Weight of Waste (t) Weight Per Passenger (kg) 2004/ / / /2006 Terminal 1 (International) Terminal 3 (Multi User Domestic) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse gas emissions attributable to WAC operations are detailed in Table 15. These figures were calculated using emission factors derived from the Australian Greenhouse Office Factors and Methods Workbook. It should be noted that aircraft emissions are reported by individual airlines, and the data presented in this report is for WAC operations only. Increased resource use from WAC operations has resulted in increased greenhouse gas emissions during 2005/2006. The vast majority of WAC s greenhouse emissions result from electricity use, therefore WAC will investigate management initiatives to reduce electricity consumption and an energy audit of the Skywest building in the Domestic Terminal complex. 43

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47 Westralia Airports Corporation initiated a paper and cardboard recycling program in June 2006 to reduce land-filled waste, since waste disposal is WAC s second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. During 2006/2007 WAC will use the results of the trial to implement a paper and cardboard recycling program. To further reduce land-filled waste and greenhouse gas emissions, WAC will also investigate expanding the program to include plastic packaging. Table 15 Greenhouse gas emissions Resource Use Emissions (tco2-e) 2004/ /2006 Electricity Gas ULP Transport Diesel Waste Disposal Total Tenant Environmental Performance Westralia Airports Corporation is committed to ensuring that tenants at Perth Airport act in an environmentally responsible manner. During 2005/2006 WAC worked to raise tenant environmental awareness through correspondence, communication and the establishment of the Major Tenant Environment Forum. Westralia Airports Corporation requires tenants with high or moderate environmental risk to prepare and implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). In addition, tenants are required to monitor the environmental consequences of their activities and report the results of this monitoring to WAC in accordance with the Airport (Environmental Protection) Regulations Westralia Airports Corporation also conducts regular environmental audits to monitor tenant environmental performance. All tenants at Perth Airport are assigned an Environmental Risk Ranking based on the scope of their operations. Westralia Airports Corporation has identified 52 tenants with high or moderate environmental risk these tenants are required to produce an EMP. During 2005/2006 WAC has worked closely with tenants to increase the number of tenant EMPs provided to WAC. The detailed guidelines for EMP preparation developed by WAC during 2004/2005 have continued to prove useful to new tenants and those who have not yet formalised their environmental management processes. Sixteen tenants have provided WAC with EMPs during 2005/2006. This is a significant increase compared to previous years (six were provided during 2004/2005, and only three prior to that). As a result of WAC s guidance and persistence, 48% of tenants with high or moderate environmental risk now have EMPs. Westralia Airports Corporation, in conjunction with the DOTARS, will continue to encourage and assist tenant EMP preparation during 2006/2007, with the ultimate aim of 100% compliance. Westralia Airports Corporation also requires all tenants considered to have a high or moderate environmental risk to submit an Annual Environment Report (AER) for the reporting period. Twenty-eight tenants have complied with their monitoring and reporting requirements and provided WAC with their 2005/2006 AERs. This is more than double the number of reports provided in 2004/2005 (11 were provided), and represents a significant improvement in tenant compliance during 2005/2006. Copies of all tenant AERs are provided to the Department of Transport and Regional Services with this report. No significant environmental incidents were reported during 2005/2006, with the exception of tenant issues associated with contaminated site and noise management, which are discussed in the relevant sections of this report. Westralia Airports Corporation conducts audits of tenants to ensure they are complying with their EMPs, statutory obligations, lease agreements and general standards of good environmental practice. On completion of each audit, a report classifying audit outcomes as Non-Conformances, Areas for Concern, Opportunities for Improvement or OK, is provided to the tenant and the Airport Environment Officer. Tenants are required to review and 45

48 formally accept or respond to the findings of the audit within ten days. In addition, tenants are required to provide an action plan detailing proposed corrective actions for any Non- Conformances and Areas of Concern, the person responsible for completion, and the target timeframe for completion for submission. Eleven tenants were audited during 2005/2006 (Table 16). This represents a significant increase in tenant auditing, with only four audits conducted during the previous reporting period. Westralia Airports Corporation recognises the importance of monitoring tenant environmental management, and further resources have been allocated to ensure that audits are conducted according to schedule during 2006/2007. Table 16 Tenants audited during 2005/2006 Tenant Actlabs Pacific Airport Security Parking (Westhill) Alpha Flight Services Australia Post Australian Air Express DHL International Driver Training and Education Centre Fowles Auction Group Hawker Pacific Helicopters Australia Hertz Highlights in 2005/2006 Increase in the number of tenants with Environmental Management Plans Increase in the number of tenants complying with monitoring and reporting requirements and providing WAC with Annual Environment Reports Increase in the number of tenants audited During 2006/2007 WAC will continue to emphasise tenant management and tenant compliance. 16 Stakeholder and Community Consultation Westralia Airports Corporation is a responsible and proactive member of the local community and is committed to providing clear and accurate representation of relevant environmental issues at Perth Airport. This is achieved through ongoing consultation and communication with community representatives, regulatory authorities, tenants, Perth Airport s Environment Officer and WAC staff. Westralia Airports Corporation established the Perth Airport Environmental Consultation Group (ECG) in November The ECG is modelled on the highly successful Noise Management Strategy Committee. During 2005/2006 the ECG continued to provide an effective forum for WAC to meet with external stakeholders, including the Airport Environment Officer, State and Local Government officers, and representatives from conservation and catchment groups. Five regular meetings were held during 2005/2006, as well as one extraordinary meeting to discuss the BGC Brickworks Proposal. Topics of discussion during the regular meetings included: Perth Airport Master Plan 2004; Rehabilitation; Volunteer program; Tonkin Highway green corridor; Resource recovery project for Perth s eastern region; Tenant environmental management; National Pollutant Inventory; Perth Airport 2004/2005 Environmental Report; Dieback; Feral animal and bird control; Western Swamp Tortoise; Airport hydrology; Indigenous heritage; and Current and future projects. 46

49 In March 2006, WAC established the Perth Airport Major Tenant Environment Forum (MTEF) to improve environmental performance through the sharing of ideas, information and expertise among tenants and WAC. Two meetings were held during 2005/2006. Topics of discussion included an introduction to environmental management at Perth Airport, tenant responsibilities, Environmental Management Plans, Annual Environment Reports, and environmental audits. The MTEF has also provided a forum for tenants to present their environmental initiatives, such as Qantas interactive environmental training program, and provide feedback to WAC. During 2006/2007 the group will investigate waste management and recycling, and will continue to address environmental issues at Perth Airport in a cooperative and coordinated manner. In June 2006 WAC initiated the inaugural Perth Airport Planting Week to involve five local primary schools in rehabilitation projects at the airport. Students, parents and teachers from Maida Vale, Forrestfield, Dawson Park, Woodlupine and Gooseberry Hill primary schools planted over 7,200 trees and shrubs in areas of both Conservation Precincts and a compensation basin on Fauntleroy Avenue. Westralia Airports Corporation provided each school with funding for the planting project and additional educational environmental projects. Further details on the schools involvement are included in Section Westralia Airports Corporation values community involvement, and will continue to support local schools during 2005/2006, with a second planting week planned for September Westralia Airports Corporation regularly liaises with the Airport Environment Officer (AEO), who represents the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS), to ensure that environmental management of the airport is consistent with environmental legislation. Formal meetings are held with the AEO each month, and regular meetings are held with other representatives from DOTARS and the Department of Environment and Heritage. During 2005/2006, extensive project specific community consultation was also undertaken, including widespread consultation with relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed development of a Clay Brick Manufacturing Plant within Precinct 3A of Perth Airport. The following stakeholders were directly consulted prior to public advertising of the Draft Version Major Development Plan for the Clay Brick Manufacturing Plant: Department of Transport and Regional Services; Department of Environment and Heritage; Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA); Airservices Australia; Chairman of State Environmental Protection Authority; and State Department of Environment. In addition, the following groups were invited to briefing sessions: Senior State Government Officials; State Government Officers; Perth Airport Environmental Consultative Group; Local Governments; Ratepayer Associations; and Local Interest Groups. Additional briefings and meetings were held with: Community Newspapers; Community leaders; and Councillors from both the Swan and Kalamunda Shires. Briefing sessions with the State Government were arranged through the State Government Principal Policy Officer (Airport) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding. 47

50 48

51 Highlights in 2005/2006 Five meetings of the Perth Airport Environmental Consultation Group Establishment of the Perth Airport Major Tenant Environment Forum Inaugural Perth Airport Planting Week, with involvement from five local primary schools Extensive project specific community consultation undertaken During 2006/2007 WAC will continue to work with Federal, State and Local Governments, the community, school groups and tenants to ensure that clear and accurate environmental information is available. 17 Looking Ahead The Environment Strategy 2004 details WAC s objectives and commitments, and provides clear direction for the environmental management of Perth Airport over the next five-year period. In addition to the continuation of WAC s successful surface and groundwater quality, rehabilitation, and fauna monitoring programs during 2006/2007 WAC will ensure continual improvement of environmental performance through the implementation of new and revised auditable commitments. These Annual Report Initiatives are detailed in Table 17. Table 17 Annual Report Initiatives Auditable Commitment Implementation Date Implement paper/cardboard recycling program October 2006 Investigate expanding recycling program to include plastic packaging October 2006 Measure surface and groundwater usage using methodologies established during 2005/2006 February 2007 Investigate installing water usage meters on reticulation bores and construction sites April 2007 Undertake detailed vegetation survey of Conservation Precinct 7 October 2006 Produce detailed weed maps for Conservation Precincts 5 and 7 March 2007 Facilitate quarterly meetings and activities of the Environmental Consultation Group Facilitate quarterly meetings and activities of the Major Tenant Environment Forum Quarterly Quarterly To maintain and strengthen the environmental management system (EMS) during the 2005/2006 reporting period, an independent external audit of the EMS will be conducted during 2006/2007. As part of the EMS, WAC s Environmental Management Plan will also be audited externally during 2006/2007. Westralia Airports Corporation considers efficient resource use a priority, and will investigate upgrading the water network during 2006/2007, with the aim of decreasing potable water usage and increasing efficiency of the system. During 2006/2007 WAC will also implement a paper and cardboard recycling program. In addition, to further reduce land-filled waste and greenhouse gas emissions, WAC will investigate expanding the program to include plastic packaging. Communication with stakeholders and the local community remains an important part of WAC s philosophy. As a result WAC will continue to facilitate quarterly meetings of the Noise Management Strategy Committee, the Environmental Consultation Group and the Major Tenant Environment Forum. This will ensure all environmental information is accurately and effectively communicated. During 2006/2007 WAC will also continue to emphasise the importance of tenant management and tenant compliance. 49

52 Appendices Appendix 1 Progress of Environment Strategy Commitments No. Auditable Commitment Implementation Status Date Current Reporting Period 2004/ Conduct internal audits of EMS on yearly basis Yearly March Implemented Internal review of EMS conducted and recommendations from 2004/2005 gap analysis implemented 2 Conduct external audits of the EMS on a two yearly basis Starting 2005/2006 Implemented External EMS audit conducted during 2004/2005, next audit to be conducted during 2006/ Investigate need for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) June 2005 Implemented in critical areas of environmental operation at Perth Airport Draft report reviewed during reporting period. To be finalised and implemented during 2006/ Review and maintain an environmental risk register June 2005 Implemented Environmental risk register finalised and included in environmental site register during 2005/ Update risk register on yearly basis or when significant change occurs Report yearly Not yet required The newly developed EMS procedures require significant risks to be reviewed quarterly. The entire risk register will be reviewed once a year 6 Update legislation manual on an as needs basis, Six monthly Implemented at a minimum six monthly The WAC legislation register is maintained by the Company Secretary 7 Maintain a legislation monitoring system Implemented WAC Environment department subscribes to the ComLaw notification system and are advised of legislative updates / amendments as they happen 8 Consult with Indigenous Groups, Universities and the Project basis Implemented Museum to decide how to sensitively interpret Aboriginal This has not been applicable to projects history and culture undertaken during the reporting period 9 Undertake all reporting as required under the Act and Regulations June each year Implemented in a timely manner, in addition report on the status of these This Annual Environment Report commitments as part of the Annual Environment Report submitted to DOTARS prior to deadline. This table details status of commitments 50

53 No. Auditable Commitment Implementation Status Date 10 Develop and maintain environmental commitments register, Develop in Implemented including those made in this document, individual projects September 2004 Commitments Register upgraded and tenants and incorporated into the new WAC Compliance Register 11 Develop auditing (EMP/energy/waste) schedule for tenants December 2004 Implemented and WAC operations Copy of audit schedule and audit reports provided to AEO 12 Conduct audits according to schedule Partially Implemented Eleven audits conducted during reporting period. The remaining audits scheduled for 2005/2006 will be conducted within the first couple of months of 2006/2007. Further resources have been allocated to ensure audits are conducted to schedule during 2006/ Recommence discussions with Australian Greenhouse Office June 2005 Implemented 14 Develop co-operative agreement with AGO June 2006 Timeframe Extended The role of AGO has changed. WAC will implement this commitment in November Incorporate environmental responsibilities in job descriptions January 2005 Implemented for staff employed after January 2005 Standardised environmental responsibilities are included in job descriptions for all new staff 16 Investigate incorporating an environmental component to May 2006 Implemented salary bonus package commencing 2006/2007 Environmental component to salary bonus package investigated and found not to be viable under current contracts 17 Ensure all staff undergo environmental awareness training Starting 2005/2006 Partially Implemented at least every two years Environmental awareness training module developed and trialled on 20 new security officers. All staff will undergo environmental awareness training during 2006/ Develop an Environmental Consultation Group December 2004 Implemented Five meetings held during 2005/ Conduct monthly discussions with AEO Monthly Implemented Meetings between WAC and the AEO held each month 51

54 No. Auditable Commitment Implementation Status Date 20 As part of Annual Environment Report, document measures Yearly Implemented used to address high environmental risk activities in reporting period Measures documented in Appendix 2 21 Facilitate quarterly meetings and activities of the Noise Quarterly Implemented Management Strategy Committee Meetings held each quarter during 2005/ Conduct review of [pollution] contingency plans every 2 years Starting June 2006 Implemented Spill response procedures reviewed. Plan of indicative drainage catchment areas developed and distributed to spill responders 23 Based on risk register develop a yearly works program to address June each year Implemented high environmental risk activities. Publish this program of Works program documented in proposed work as part of the Annual Environmental Report Appendix 2 24 Review WAC internal approval process for development, June 2005 Implemented construction and maintenance projects to ensure it Review conducted during 2004/2005, adequately deals with environmental risks recommendations implemented during 2005/ Update environmental site register, as required Starting June 2004 Implemented all sections at least yearly Updated version of Environmental Site Register provided to DOTARS with this report 26 Document management plans for conservation precincts, P5 June 2006 Partially Implemented including implementation schedule P7 June 2007 Draft management plans for Precincts 5 & 7 developed. These will be finalised during 2006/ As part of a year-by-year program detailed in the Annual June 2006 Partially Implemented Report, implement items in conservation precinct management Vertebrate pest management and weed plan including items such as: management in the conservation areas Vertebrate pest management have been undertaken. Program will be Weed management published in Annual Environment Report when management plans are finalised 28 On a project basis conduct further studies of Priority 1 and 2 Implemented vegetation as part of development approvals process Further studies conducted during 2005/2006 in Precincts 2A and 2B 29 Review standard WAC contract documentation to ensure it June 2006 Implemented adequately deals with environmental risks in areas such as: Standard contracts reviewed. Indigenous sites Requirements for Construction Traffic management Environmental Management Plans Pollution (eg. noise, dust) applied as required 52

55 No. Auditable Commitment Implementation Status Date 30 Determine ecological water requirement for wetlands within June 2006 Partially Implemented environmentally significant areas Ecological water requirement determined as part of draft management plans for Conservation Precincts 5 & 7 31 Review procedures for stopping illegal access to environmentally August 2004 Implemented significant areas Procedures reviewed during 2004/2005. New zero-tolerance approach to unlawful entry implemented during 2005/ Revise surface and groundwater monitoring program October 2004 Implemented Program reviewed and considered adequate. An additional requirement to formally report to the AEO on a quarterly basis has been implemented. The program will be reviewed again in 2007/ Monitor surface and groundwater as required under Implemented revised program Quarterly surface and groundwater quality monitoring and monthly ground water level monitoring undertaken during 2005/ Ensure ex-tenants continue monitoring and undertake Report yearly Implemented remediation activities as agreed. Relinquishment of WAC has continued to push ex-tenants responsibility is based on demonstrated success of remediation to continue monitoring etc, however not all ex-tenants are compliant. WAC will continue to work with the AEO to ensure remediation is successful 35 On a quarterly basis use State Government monitoring data Quarterly Implemented to determine air quality in Perth Airport airshed, determine State Department of Environment air appropriate contingency program should monitoring program quality data for Perth and Caversham show levels in excess of guidelines stations monitored 36 Apply for local water quality standard and develop program December 2005 Timeframe Extended to implement Insufficient data to determine appropriate levels to be applied to WAC sites. Commitment suspended until sufficient data available (expected 2007/2008) 37 Undertake monitoring required to report to the State Implemented Government under the NPI program, report outcomes yearly 2005/2006 NPI report submitted in August

56 No. Auditable Commitment Implementation Status Date 38 Revise monitoring regime, update to allow the health of June 2006 Partially Implemented environmentally significant areas on Perth Airport to be determined Revised monitoring regime developed as part of draft management plans for Conservation Precincts 5 & 7. To be finalised during 2006/ Commence ecological health monitoring according to regime Year 2005/2006 Timeframe Extended Ecological health monitoring to commence during 2006/2007, through implementation of Conservation Precinct management plans. 40 Establish system within EMS for addressing audit recommendations March 2005 Implemented Custom computer software system developed. EMS procedures revised 41 Suggest revision of EMS based on audit Yearly May Implemented Recommendations of EMS Gap Analysis implemented 42 Review management commitments based on previous management Yearly June Implemented performance June each year (update in Annual Report) See Table 17 54

57 Appendix 2 Progress of Annual Report Initiatives No. Auditable Commitment Implementation Status Date 1 Increase rabbit control efforts October 2005 Implemented Rabbit control efforts doubled during 2005/ Refine methods for determining quantity and March 2006 Implemented nature of waste disposed See Section 13 3 Investigate implementing a recycling program April 2006 Implemented Recycling trial undertaken during 2005/2006, recycling program to be implemented during 2006/ Develop methodologies to measure surface February 2006 Implemented and groundwater usage See Section 13 5 Develop bushfire management plan in consultation November 2005 Partially Implemented with FESA and ARFF Draft plan prepared to be finalised during 2006/ Conduct a dieback survey of Conservation Precincts 5 and 7 November 2005 Implemented Dieback survey conducted and dieback mapped 7 Incorporate environmental management into the Management November 2005 Partially Implemented Reports International (MRI) tenant management systemmri modified to included environmental fields. Data management procedures will be finalised during 2006/2007 through upgrade of EMS 8 Revise the tenant auditing schedule and allocate October 2005 Implemented further resources to tenant auditing Significant increase in number of tenants audited during 2005/ Airport Environment Committee to develop timeline September 2005 Implemented for implementation of recommendations from EMS gap analysis Recommendations of EMS gap analysis implemented during 2005/2006. Profile of Environment raised in WAC, Airport Environment Committee no longer required. Senior management involvement defined through new EMS commitments 55

58 10 Fully implement the new incident management system (IRIMS) December 2005 Implemented IRIMS fully implemented 11* Implement paper/cardboard recycling program October 2006 Not yet required 12* Investigate expanding recycling program to include plastic packaging October 2006 Not yet required 13* Measure surface and groundwater usage using February 2007 Not yet required methodologies established during 2005/ * Investigate installing water usage meters April 2007 Not yet required on reticulation bores and construction sites 15* Undertake detailed vegetation survey of Conservation Precinct 7 October 2006 Not yet required 16* Produce detailed weed maps for Conservation Precincts 5 and 7 March 2007 Not yet required 17* Facilitate quarterly meetings and activities Quarterly Not yet required of the Environmental Consultation Group 18* Facilitate quarterly meetings and activities Quarterly Not yet required of the Major Tenant Environment Forum *Note: New initiatives developed during 2005/2006 (To be confirmed) 56

59 Appendix 3 Significant Residual Environmental Risks Risk Activity Impact Inherent Controls Residual Cause(s) 2005/2006 Proposed Work ID Risk Risk Control Measures 2006/2007 Airport Operations 53 Dust from Pollution of 20 WAC consent 12 Dry conditions - High Dust suppression Dust suppression excavation and surrounding land. process. Works wind. Lack/failure of measures written into measures will clearing activities Spread of weeds. inspections dust suppression all contracts including continue to be and stockpiles Nuisance equipment. Lack of review and written into all awareness / training maintenance of contracts including Applications review and maintenance of applications. Measures will be audited 40 Inappropriate Landfill Disposal method not Supervisor conducting As for 2005/2006 disposal of smoke contamination. specified. Lack of awareness sessions detectors Potential breach training / awareness. for staff. Supplier of legislation is accepting liability for appropriate disposal 26 Inappropriate Soil / landfill 24 Waste oils are 24 Lack of training / Waste oils are No further disposal of contamination. generally disposed awareness. disposed of by action required waste oil Potential breach of by contractors Procedural failure. contractors, no of legislation Uncertified contractor waste oil storage occurs on site 23 Hydrocarbon Soil / groundwater 18 Quarterly tank 14 Tank failure. Monitoring upgraded Upgraded monitoring leak from contamination dips for level Seal failure - tanks dipped weekly regime to continue underground instead of quarterly generator fuel to determine fuel level. storage Engine run hours recorded Airport Operations - Grounds Maintenance 52 Inappropriate Soil contamination Disposal method Team leader conducted No further action disposal of road not specified. sessions with staff required sweepings Lack of training / awareness 46 Inappropriate Soil / water Appropriate disposal Team leader conducted No further disposal of used pollution. Damage methods not awareness sessions action required herbicide container to non-target specified. Lack of with staff rinsate. species training / awareness 57