Appendix C Noise and vibration assessment

Transcription

1 Appendix C Noise and vibration assessment

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3 Sydney Water Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment for the REF Addendum November 2013

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5 Table of contents Glossary and abbreviations... i 1. Introduction The proposal Scope of this assessment Existing environment Sensitive receivers and land uses Existing noise environment Compliance criteria Construction noise criteria Construction vibration criteria Operational noise criteria Proposal specific criteria Assessment of impacts Construction noise Construction vibration Operational noise impacts Mitigation measures Construction noise and vibration mitigation measures Operational mitigation measures Conclusion References Table index Table 1-1 Construction activities... 1 Table 2-1 Noise monitoring equipment details... 5 Table 2-2 Noise monitoring locations... 5 Table 2-3 Noise monitoring results, db(a)... 7 Table 3-1 Construction noise management levels at sensitive land uses... 9 Table 3-2 Construction noise management levels at residences Table 3-3 Construction traffic noise criteria, L Aeq(period), db(a) Table 3-4 Human comfort intermittent vibration limits (BS ) Table 3-5 Guidance on effects of vibration levels for human comfort (BS ) Table 3-6 Guideline values for short term vibration on structures Table 3-7 INP amenity criteria GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 1

6 Table 3-8 Industrial Noise Policy modifying factor adjustments Table 3-9 Project specific construction noise criteria, db(a) Table 3-10 Proposal specific operational noise criteria Table 4-1 Construction activities, equipment and noise levels Table 4-2 Construction equipment noise levels at distance, db(a) Table 4-3 Receiver distances to meet construction noise management levels Table 4-4 Typical vibration levels construction equipment Table 4-5 Vibration buffer distances (m) Figure index Figure 1 Proposal site... 3 Figure 2 Noise monitoring locations... 8 Appendices Appendix A Noise monitoring charts

7 This report has been prepared by GHD for Sydney Water and may only be used and relied on by Sydney Water for the purpose agreed between GHD and Sydney Water. GHD otherwise disclaims responsibility to any person other than Sydney Water arising in connection with this report. GHD also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to the extent legally permissible. The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on conditions encountered and information reviewed at the date of preparation of the report. GHD has no responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring subsequent to the date that the report was prepared. The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on assumptions made by GHD described in this report (refer sections 1.2 and 1.3). GHD disclaims liability arising from any of the assumptions being incorrect. GHD has prepared this report on the basis of information provided by Sydney Water and others who provided information to GHD (including government authorities), which GHD has not independently verified or checked beyond the agreed scope of work. GHD does not accept liability in connection with such unverified information, including errors and omissions in the report which were caused by errors or omissions in that information. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 3

8 Glossary and abbreviations Term EPA db db(a) DECC DECCW Definition Environmental Protection Authority Decibel is the unit used for expressing the sound pressure level (SPL) or power level (SWL) in acoustics. Decibel expressed with the frequency weighting filter used to measure A-weighted sound pressure levels, which conforms approximately to the human ear response, as our hearing is less sensitive at low and high frequencies. Department of Environment and Climate Change Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water ICNG Interim Construction Noise Guideline (DECC, 2009). INP Industrial Noise Policy (EPA, 2000). L Aeq(period) L A90(period) Noise sensitive receiver Equivalent sound pressure level: the steady sound level that, over a specified period of time, would produce the same energy equivalence as the fluctuating sound level actually occurring. The sound pressure level that is exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. An area or place potentially affected by noise which includes: a residential dwelling. an educational institution, library, childcare centre or kindergarten. a hospital, surgery or other medical institution. an active (e.g. sports field, golf course) or passive (e.g. national park) recreational area. commercial or industrial premises. a place of worship. PPV Rating background level Peak particle velocity is the maximum vector sum of three orthogonal time-synchronized velocity components regardless of whether these component maxima occurred simultaneously. The overall single-figure background level representing each assessment period (day/evening/night) over the whole monitoring period. RNP Road Noise Policy (DECCW, 2011). VDV Vibration Vibration dose value - As defined in BS , VDV is given by the fourth root of the integral of the fourth power of the frequency weighted acceleration. The variation of the magnitude of a quantity which is descriptive of the motion or position of a mechanical system, when the magnitude is alternately greater and smaller than some average value or reference. Vibration can be measured in terms of its displacement, velocity or acceleration. The common units for velocity are millimetres per second (mm/s). GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment i

9 1. Introduction 1.1 The proposal The Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme The Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme (referred to as the scheme ) would involve: providing a reticulated wastewater collection service for unsewered urban properties within the subsidised service areas of Bargo and Buxton transferring wastewater from the villages to the Picton Sewerage Scheme, by constructing infrastructure to connect to the existing Tahmoor Carrier located in Tahmoor. The key features of the scheme that were not assessed in the original REFs are listed below. The construction and operation of these features (referred to as the proposal for the purposes of this REF) is considered by the REF Addendum: transfer mains and ancillary assets: the Bargo transfer main - a transfer main about 5.9 km long between Bargo and the connection with the Buxton transfer main the Buxton transfer main - a transfer main about 5.4 km long between Buxton and the connection with the Bargo transfer main an actuated valve chamber at the junction of the Bargo and Buxton transfer mains a combined transfer main about 3 km long between the actuated valve chamber and the Tahmoor Carrier, which is part of the Picton Sewerage Scheme. ancillary assets including air release facilities, flushing points and isolation valves chemical dosing units (CDUs) at Bargo, Buxton and possibly Tahmoor a barometric loop in Tahmoor. The location of the proposal is shown in Figure Construction assumptions Key potential noise generating construction components relate to the CDUs, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipeline trenching and site compounds. Typical construction equipment associated with these components is detailed in Table 1-1. Average pipeline trenching productions rates applicable to rock (and other) ground conditions are: 50 m/day for pipes up to DN m/day for pipes larger than DN225. Table 1-1 Construction activities Component CDUs HDD Construction equipment Crane Delivery Trucks Excavators (8 Tonne) Drill rig Drill mud recycling unit GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 1

10 Component Trenching Site compound Construction equipment Excavator (20 Tonne) Rock breaker Manitou Front end loader Tippers Amenities shed 1.2 Scope of this assessment The report assesses the potential noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposal. It has been undertaken with consideration of the following: Interim Construction Noise Guideline (ICNG) (DECC July 2009) Industrial Noise policy (INP) (EPA 2000) Road Noise Policy (RNP) (DECCW, 2012) Assessing vibration: a technical guideline (DEC, 2006). This report assesses the potential noise and vibration impacts from the proposal including: quantifying the existing ambient and background noise environment at potentially impacted receivers in the vicinity of the proposal using the results of noise monitoring previously undertaken by SLR, and noise monitoring undertaken by GHD for this assessment assessing the construction noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposal in accordance with the ICNG at potentially impacted receivers. Construction noise and vibration sources would be associated with the construction of the: CDU sites wastewater pipeline trenching trenchless construction (horizontal directional drilling) sites. providing the INP operational criteria associated with the operation of the CDUs at potentially impacted receivers identifying exceedences to the construction noise criteria and providing mitigation measures to manage noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposal. The assessment considers the following noise assessment reports which were undertaken as part of the original REFs for the Bargo Wastewater Scheme and the Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Priority Sewerage Program, Construction and Operational Baseline Noise Study, Bargo Wastewater Scheme, Report Number: R1 (SLR, 10 December 2012). Priority Sewerage Program, Construction and Operational Baseline Noise Study, Buxton Wastewater Scheme, Report Number: (SLR, 14 November 2012). A glossary of acoustic terms can be found at the beginning of the report. 2 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

11 W4I TRAIL SLADES ROAD WEST PARADE MICHELL ROAD STATION STREET COLO STREET BARGO BOUNDARY ROAD RIVER ROAD NATTAI STREET ROAD KANGAROO BRONZEWING STOKES ROAD BYRON THIRLMERE WAY STREET ROAD CDU site Combined STREET CASTLEREAGH Transfer Main STRATFORD ROAD YORK STREET ROCKFORD ROAD barometric loop TAHMOOR SOUTH STREET Junction & actuated valve chamber EAST PARADE HASSALL ROAD Buxton Transfer Main CDU site FIRE ROAD NO P1 BARGO RIVER DRIVEWAY REMEMBRANCE BUXTON CALOOLA ROAD Bargo Transfer Main YARRAN ROAD WILSON DRIVE CDU site HOGANS KADER DRIVE STREET RADNOR ROAD GREAT SOUTHERN ROAD RAILSIDE AVENUE DYMOND STREET GOVERNMENT ROAD BARGO ROAD BARGO LEGEND Transfer main HDD option Transfer main overbridge option Site boundary Roads Waterways Paper Size A4 o ,200 1,500 Metres Map Projection: Transverse Mercator Horizontal Datum: GDA 1994 Grid: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 N:\AU\Sydney\Projects\21\22849\GIS\Maps\Deliverables\21_22849_Z020_NoiseProposal_site_Fig1_versionB.mxd Sydney Water Bargo and Buxton wastewater scheme Noise and vibration assessment Proposal site Job Number Revision A Date 04 Nov 2013 Figure 1 Level 15, 133 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000 T F E sydmail@ghd.com.au W While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD and NSW DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA, NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY, GOOLGE EARTH PRO make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD and NSW DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA, NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY, GOOLGE EARTH PRO cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. Data Source: NSW Department of Lands: Cadastre - Jan 2012; Geoscience Australia: 250k Data - Jan 2012; NSW Department od Primary Industry - Jan 2012; Google image Jan Created by: qjchung

12 2. Existing environment 2.1 Sensitive receivers and land uses Noise sensitive receivers are defined based on the type of occupancy and the activities performed in the land use. Sensitive noise receivers could include: residences educational institutions when in use hospitals and medical facilities places of worship when in use passive and active recreational areas such as parks, sporting fields and golf courses commercial or industrial premises. Noise sensitive receivers in the study area consist of rural and suburban residential receivers in the villages of Buxton, Couridjah, Tahmoor and Bargo. The following representative noise sensitive receivers were identified for the purposes of the assessment: R1 - Buxton residential receivers (away from the rail corridor/road) R2 - Buxton residential receivers (adjacent to the rail corridor/road) R3 - Bargo River Road residential receivers R4 - Tahmoor residential receivers R5 - Bargo residential receivers (away from the rail corridor) R6 - Bargo residential receivers (adjacent to the rail corridor / road) and residential receivers adjacent to Remembrance Drive R7 - Wollondilly Anglican College R8 - Tahmoor Public School. 2.2 Existing noise environment Noise monitoring methodology The assessment considers the noise monitoring undertaken by SLR as part of the original REFs for the Bargo Wastewater Scheme and the Buxton Wastewater Scheme. SLR undertook noise monitoring at six locations (Figure 2) which were as follows: location L1, L2, L3 and L4 and detailed in the Priority Sewerage Program, Construction and Operational Baseline Noise Study, Buxton Wastewater Scheme, Report Number: (SLR, 14 November 2012). location L7 and L8 and detailed in the Priority Sewerage Program, Construction and Operational Baseline Noise Study, Bargo Wastewater Scheme, Report Number: R1 (SLR, 10 December 2012). Additional noise monitoring was undertaken by GHD at three locations to further assess the background and ambient noise levels in the study area in locations where monitoring was not taken previously. This additional monitoring included location L5, L6 and L9 and are shown in Figure 2. Noise level charts for the additional monitoring are shown in Appendix A. 4 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

13 All noise monitoring activities were undertaken and processed in accordance with the INP. All noise loggers were programmed to accumulate L A90, L A10 and L Aeq noise descriptors continuously over sampling periods of 15 minutes for the entire monitoring period with a Fast time weighting. The noise loggers were calibrated before and after each measurement period and were found to be within the acceptable tolerance of ± 0.5 db(a). The data collected by the loggers was downloaded and analysed, and any invalid data removed. Invalid data generally refers to periods of time where average wind speeds were greater than 5 m/s, or when rainfall occurred. Meteorological data was sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology s Camden Airport automatic weather station. Table 2-1 provides details of the noise loggers used. Table 2-1 shows the monitoring locations. Table 2-1 Noise monitoring equipment details Location ID Measurement period: Equipment details Calibration check L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L9 Tuesday 30/10/12 to Wednesday 7/11/12 Tuesday 30/10/12 to Wednesday 7/11/12 Tuesday 30/10/12 to Wednesday 7/11/12 Tuesday 30/10/12 to Wednesday 7/11/12 Wednesday 18/09/13 to Thursday 26/09/13 Wednesday 18/09/13 to Thursday 26/09/13 Wednesday 28/11/12 to Wednesday 5/12/12 Wednesday 28/11/12 to Wednesday 5/12/12 Wednesday 18/09/13 to Thursday 26/09/13 Svantek SV957 SN: Svantek SV957 SN: ARL-EL316 SN: Svantek SV957 SN: Rion NL52 SN: Rion NL52 SN: ARL-EL316 SN: ARL-EL316 SN: Rion NL52 SN: Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Consultant who undertook monitoring SLR SLR SLR SLR GHD GHD SLR SLR GHD Noise monitoring locations Noise monitoring was undertaken at six locations previously and three locations for this assessment. The locations were considered to provide a good representation of the existing background and ambient noise environment in the vicinity of the proposal. The noise monitoring locations are shown in Table 2-2 and Figure 2, which are used to determine the construction and operational noise criteria at surrounding residential receivers. Table 2-2 Noise monitoring locations ID Location Potential noise sources Description L1 Coevon Road, Buxton Construction For assessment of construction noise impacts at suburban residential receivers in Buxton (away from main roads and the rail corridor) (Receiver area R1). GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 5

14 ID Location Potential noise sources Description L2 32 Wallaroo Road, Buxton Operation Construction For assessment of operational noise impacts at the CDU site in Buxton (Receiver area R2). For assessment of construction noise impacts at suburban residential receivers in Buxton (exposed to existing noise from East Parade, West Parade and the rail corridor) (Receiver area R2). L3 Jumbunna Place, Buxton Construction For assessment of construction noise impacts at rural residential receivers north of Buxton (away from main roads and the rail corridor) (Receiver area R1). L4 510, West Parade, Buxton Construction For assessment of construction noise impacts at rural residential receivers north of Buxton (exposed to existing noise from East Parade, West Parade and the rail corridor) (Receiver area R2). L5 Bargo River Road, Couridjah Construction For assessment of construction noise impacts at rural residential receivers on Bargo River Road (Receiver area R3). L6 L7 George Street, Tahmoor 3130 Remembran ce Drive, Bargo Operation Construction Construction For assessment of operational noise impacts at the CDU site in Tahmoor. For assessment of construction noise impacts at residential receivers in Tahmoor (Receiver area R4). For assessment of construction noise impacts at rural residential receivers north of Bargo (exposed to existing noise from Remembrance Driveway) (Receiver area R6). L8 121 Great Southern Road, Bargo Construction For assessment of construction noise impacts at suburban residential receivers in Bargo (exposed to existing noise from the Great Southern Road and the rail corridor) (Receiver area R6). L9 Bargo Reservoir Site Operation Construction For assessment of operational noise impacts at the CDU site in Bargo (Receiver area R5). For assessment of construction noise impacts at suburban residential receivers in Bargo (away for main roads and the rail corridor) (Receiver area R5) Noise monitoring results A summary of the calculated rating background level (RBL) L A90(period) and ambient L Aeq(period) noise monitoring results is shown in Table 2-3 for each background noise monitoring location. The study area has low ambient noise levels, consistent with the surrounding rural land and low density residential development. The most dominant influence on ambient noise levels is road and rail traffic, with sites in close proximity to roads and the Southern Highlands Railway generally experiencing higher background noise levels during the day-time period. 6 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

15 Table 2-3 Noise monitoring results, db(a) ID Location Rating background level, Ambient noise levels, L Aeq(period) RBL L A90(period) Day Evening Night 2 Day Evening Night L1 Coevon Road, Buxton L2 Wallaroo Road, Buxton L3 Jumbunna Place, Buxton L4 West Parade, Buxton L5 Bargo River Road, Couridjah L6 George Street, Tahmoor L7 Remembrance Drive, Bargo L8 Great Southern Road, Bargo L9 Bargo Reservoir Site Note 1: Adopted conservative noise level due to atypical results (refer to SLR report Section 4.3 for details) Note 2: The INP recommends that the RBL be set at 30 db(a) when background noise levels are below 30 db(a). GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 7

16 W4I TRAIL EAST PARADE SLADES ROAD Buxton Transfer Main HASSALL ROAD MICHELL WEST PARADE L5 ") " ROAD STATION STREET COLO STREET BARGO SOUTH STREET L4 L3 FIRE BOUNDARY ROAD RIVER ROAD ROAD NATTAI STREET NO P1 ROAD KANGAROO THIRLMERE WAY BRONZEWING STOKES ROAD TAHMOOR BYRON BARGO RIVER STREET DRIVEWAY REMEMBRANCE ROAD Combined STREET CASTLEREAGH STRATFORD ROAD L6 ") " Transfer Main YORK STREET ROCKFORD ROAD TAHMOOR ROAD L2 BUXTON L1 CALOOLA ROAD L7 Bargo Transfer Main YARRAN ROAD L8 WILSON DRIVE ELVY STREET HOGANS L9 ") " KADER DRIVE STREET RAILSIDE AVENUE GREAT SOUTHERN ROAD IRONBARK ROAD BARGO GOVERNMENT ROAD DYMOND STREET BARGO ROAD LEGEND SLR Noise monitoring locations ") " GHD Noise monitoring locations Transfer main HDD option Transfer main overbridge option Roads Waterways State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011 Boundary (SCA) Paper Size A4 o Sydney Water Job Number ,200 1,500 Bargo and Buxton wastewater scheme Revision B Noise and vibration assessment Date 04 Nov 2013 Metres Map Projection: Transverse Mercator Horizontal Datum: GDA 1994 Grid: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Noise monitoring locations Figure 2 N:\AU\Sydney\Projects\21\22849\GIS\Maps\Deliverables\21_22849_Z021_Noise sensitive receivers and monitoring locations_fig2_verb.mxdlevel 15, 133 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000 T F E sydmail@ghd.com.au W While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD and NSW DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA, NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY, GOOLGE EARTH PRO make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD and NSW DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA, NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY, GOOLGE EARTH PRO cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. Data Source: NSW Department of Lands: Cadastre - Jan 2012; Geoscience Australia: 250k Data - Jan 2012; NSW Department od Primary Industry - Jan 2012; Google image Jan Created by: qjchung

17 3. Compliance criteria The noise and vibration compliance criteria during operation and construction are presented in the following section. A summary of the noise criteria relevant to this proposal are summarised in Section Construction noise criteria Construction noise management levels The ICNG guideline recommends standard hours for construction activities as Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm and no work on Sundays or public holidays. The ICNG acknowledges that the following activities have justification to be undertaken outside the recommended standard construction hours assuming that all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures are implemented to minimise the impacts to the surrounding sensitive land uses: the delivery of oversized plant or structures that police or other authorities determine to require special arrangements to transport along public roads emergency work to avoid the loss of life or damage to property, or to prevent environmental harm works where a proponent demonstrates and justifies a need to operate outside the recommended standard construction hours works which maintain noise levels at receivers to below the noise management levels outside of the recommended standard construction hours. Table 3-1 and Table 3-2 detail the ICNG construction noise management levels at sensitive land uses and residences, respectively. Table 3-1 Construction noise management levels at sensitive land uses Land use Classrooms at schools and other educational institutions Hospital wards and operating theatres Places of worship Active recreation areas (characterised by sporting activities and activities which generate their own noise or focus for participants, making them less sensitive to external noise intrusion) Passive recreation areas (characterised by contemplative activities that generate little noise and where benefits are compromised by external noise intrusion, for example, reading, meditation) Industrial premises Offices and retail outlets Management level, L Aeq(15min) (when in use) Internal noise level 45 db(a) Internal noise level 45 db(a) Internal noise level 45 db(a) External noise level 65 db(a) External noise level 60 db(a) External noise level 75 db(a) External noise level 70 db(a) GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 9

18 Table 3-2 Construction noise management levels at residences Time of day Recommended standard hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm Saturday 8 am to 1 pm No work on Sundays or public holidays Outside recommended standard hours Management level L Aeq(15min) Noise affected Rating background level plus 10 db(a) Highly noise Affected 75 db(a) Noise affected Rating background level plus 5 db(a) How to apply The noise affected level represents the point above which there may be some community reaction to noise. Where the predicted or measured L Aeq(15min) is greater than the noise affected level, the proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to meet the noise affected level. The proponent should also inform all potentially impacted residents of the nature of works to be carried out, the expected noise levels and duration, as well as contact details. The highly noise affected level represents the point above which there may be strong community reaction to noise. Where noise is above this level, the relevant authority (consent, determining or regulatory) may require respite periods by restricting the hours that the very noisy activities can occur, taking into account: times identified by the community when they are less sensitive to noise (such as before and after school for works near schools, or mid-morning or mid-afternoon for works near residences if the community is prepared to accept a longer period of construction in exchange for restrictions on construction times. A strong justification would typically be required for works outside the recommended standard hours. The proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to meet the noise affected level. Where all feasible and reasonable practices have been applied and noise is more than 5 db(a) above the noise affected level, the proponent should negotiate with the community. 10 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

19 3.1.2 Sleep disturbance criteria during construction The ICNG states that where construction works are planned to extend over more than two consecutive nights, the analysis should include maximum noise levels and the extent and number of times the maximum exceeds the rating background levels. The ICNG also refers to the Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise (EPA, 1999) for more guidance on sleep disturbance from maximum noise level events. This guideline has since been superseded by the RNP. Both guidelines provide a discussion on research into the effects of maximum noise events on sleep disturbance. The results of this research is aimed at limiting the level of sleep disturbance due to environmental noise and concludes that the L Amax or L A1(1min) level of any noise should not exceed the ambient L A90(15min) noise level by more than 15 db(a). This guideline takes into account the emergence of noise events, but does not directly limit the number of such events or their highest level, which are also found to affect sleep disturbance. The RNP provides further guidance, which indicates that: maximum internal noise levels below db(a) are unlikely to cause awakening reactions one or two noise events per night with maximum internal noise levels of db(a) are not likely to significantly affect health and wellbeing. For sleep disturbance, the assessment point is inside the residence s bedroom and an open window is generally considered to provide a 10 db(a) reduction in noise levels from outside the dwelling to inside the dwelling Construction traffic noise criteria The RNP provides traffic noise target levels for residential receivers in the vicinity of existing roads (Table 3-3). These levels are applied to construction works to identify potential construction traffic impacts and the potential for reasonable and feasible mitigation measures. The application notes 1 for the RNP state that for existing residences and other sensitive land uses affected by additional traffic on existing roads generated by land use developments, any increase in the total traffic noise level as a result of the development should be limited to 2 db above that of the noise level without the development. This limit applies wherever the noise level without the development is within 2 db of, or exceeds, the relevant day or night noise assessment criterion. If road traffic noise increases from the construction work is within 2 db(a) of current levels then the objectives of the RNP are met and no specific mitigation measures are required December 2012 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 11

20 Table 3-3 Construction traffic noise criteria, L Aeq(period), db(a) Type of Development Existing residence affected by additional traffic on arterial roads generated by land use developments Existing residence affected by additional traffic on local roads generated by land use developments School classrooms Day 7 am to 10 pm Night 10 pm to 7 am 60 L eq(15hr) 55 L eq(9hr) 55 L eq(1hr) 50 L eq(1hr) Internal noise level 40 L Aeq(1hr) db(a) - Places of worship Open space (active use) Open space (passive use) (When in use) Internal noise level 40 L Aeq(1hr) db(a) (when in use) External noise level 60 L Aeq(15hr) db(a) (when in use) External noise level 55 L Aeq(15hr) db(a) (when in use) Internal noise level 40 L Aeq(1hr) db(a) (when in use) Construction vibration criteria Human comfort Vibration has been assessed based on the criteria in Assessing Vibration: a technical guideline (DEC February 2006). British Standard (BS) , Guide to Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vibration in Buildings (1 Hz to 80 Hz) is recognised by the guideline as the preferred standard for assessing the human comfort criteria. Typically, construction activities generate ground vibration of an intermittent nature. Intermittent vibration is assessed using the vibration dose value. Acceptable values of vibration dose are presented in Table 3-4 for sensitive receivers. Whilst the assessment of response to vibration in BS :1992 is based on vibration dose value and weighted acceleration, for construction related vibration, it is considered more appropriate to provide guidance in terms of a peak value, since this parameter is likely to be more routinely measured based on the more usual concern over potential building damage. Humans are capable of detecting vibration at levels which are well below those causing risk of damage to a building. The degrees of perception for humans are suggested by the vibration level categories given in BS , Code of Practice Part 2 Vibration for noise and vibration on construction and open sites Part 2: Vibration, as shown below in Table GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

21 Table 3-4 Human comfort intermittent vibration limits (BS ) Receiver type Period 1 Intermittent vibration dose value (m/s 1.75 ) Preferred value Maximum value Residential Day Night Educational institutes When in use Note 1: Day is between 7 am and 10 pm and night is between 10 pm and 7 am Table 3-5 Guidance on effects of vibration levels for human comfort (BS ) Vibration level Effect 0.14 mm/s Vibration might be just perceptible in the most sensitive situations for most vibration frequencies associated with construction. 0.3 mm/s Vibration might be just perceptible in residential environments. 1.0 mm/s It is likely that vibration at this level in residential environments will cause complaints, but can be tolerated if prior warning and explanation has been given to residents. 10 mm/s Vibration is likely to be intolerable for any more than a very brief exposure Structural damage Currently, there is no Australian Standard that sets criteria for the assessment of building damage caused by vibration. Guidance of limiting vibration values is attained from reference to German Standard DIN : 1999 Structural Vibration Part 3: Effects of vibration on structures (refer to Table 3-6). Table 3-6 Guideline values for short term vibration on structures Type of structure Buildings used for commercial purposes, industrial buildings, and buildings of similar design. Dwellings and buildings of similar design and/or occupancy. Structures that, because of their particular sensitivity to vibration, cannot be classified under lines 1 and 2 and are of great intrinsic value (for example heritage listed buildings). 1 Hz to 10 Hz Guideline values for velocity, (mm/s) 10 Hz to 50 Hz 50 Hz to 100 Hz to to to to to 8 8 to 10 Note 1: At frequencies above 100 Hz the values given in this column may be used as minimum values. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 13

22 3.3 Operational noise criteria The INP provides guidance on the assessment of operational noise impacts. The guidelines include both intrusive and amenity criteria that are designed to protect receivers from noise significantly louder than the background level and to limit the total noise level from all sources near a receiver. The INP also provides guidance on sleep disturbance impacts. The INP noise criteria are planning levels and are not mandatory limits required by legislation however the noise criteria will assist Sydney Water (which is the determining authority) to assess operational noise impacts. Where noise criteria are predicted to be exceeded, feasible and reasonable noise mitigation strategies should be considered. Feasible and reasonable noise mitigation measures should consider the economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of the development against the noise impacts. The intrusive noise criteria controls the relative audibility of operational noise compared to the background level at residential receivers. The amenity criteria limits the total level of extraneous noise for all receiver types. Both sets of criteria are calculated and, in the case of continuous noise sources, the lower of the two in each time period normally apply. For noise sources with intermittent characteristics both noise criteria should be assessed independently Intrusive criteria The intrusive criteria are determined by a 5 db(a) addition to the measured (or adopted) background level with a minimum of 35 db(a). The INP recommends that the intrusive noise criteria for the evening period should not exceed the daytime period and the night-time period should not exceed the evening period. The intrusive noise criteria are only applicable to residential receivers Amenity criteria The amenity criteria are determined based on the overall acoustic characteristics of the receiver area, the receiver type and the existing level of industrial noise. Residential receiver areas are characterised into urban, suburban, rural or other categories based on land uses, the existing level of noise from industry, commerce, and road traffic. Amenity criteria are also provided for other sensitive land uses such as schools, hospitals, places of worship and recreational areas. The amenity criteria aim to limit continual increases in noise levels from industrial noise sources and apply to all industrial noise sources at the receiver location, rather than just the noise source from the proposed development. To prevent cumulative noise level increases above the amenity criteria, the INP provides adjustments to the amenity criteria to set a target level for the proposed development. The applicable adjustment is scaled as per INP Table 2.2 and is based on the existing level of industrial noise at the receiver location. The INP amenity criteria are provided in Table GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

23 Table 3-7 INP amenity criteria Type of receiver Noise amenity area Time of day Recommended L Aeq(period) noise level Acceptable Maximum Residence Rural Day Evening Night Suburban Day Evening Night Urban Day Urban / industrial interface School classroom All When in use (highest 1 hour period) Hospital ward All When in use (highest 1 hour period) Evening Night Day Evening Night (internal) 40 (internal) 35 (internal) 50 (external) 40 (internal) 55 (external) Place of worship All When in use 40 (internal) 45 (internal) Passive recreation All When in use Active recreation All When in use Commercial All When in use Industrial All When in use Meteorological conditions Noise propagation can be enhanced by wind conditions and temperature inversions. The INP states: Where inversion conditions are predicted for at least 30% (or approximately 2 nights per week) of the total night time in winter, then inversion effects are considered to be significant and should be taken into account in the noise assessment. Wind effects need to be assessed where wind is a feature of the area. Wind is considered to be a feature where source-to-receiver wind speeds (at 10 m height) of 3 m/s or below occur for 30 per cent of the time or more in any assessment period (day, evening, night) in any season. Therefore noise enhancing meteorological conditions should be included in the assessment unless it can be shown that they do not occur for 30% of the time during any seasonal period Modifying factor adjustments The INP requires that modifying factor adjustments are added to the measured or predicted noise levels if the noise sources contain tonal, low frequency, intermittent or impulsive characteristics, which have the potential to increase annoyance. The modifying factor adjustments are summarised in Table 3-8. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 15

24 Table 3-8 Industrial Noise Policy modifying factor adjustments Factor Tonal noise Assessment/ measurement One-third octave or narrow band analysis When to apply Correction 1,2 Level of one-third octave band exceeds the level of the adjacent bands on both sides by: 5 db or more if the centre frequency of the band containing the tone is above 400 Hz 5 db(a) 2 8 db or more if the centre frequency of the band containing the tone is 160 to 400 Hz inclusive 15 db or more if the centre frequency of the band containing the tone is below 160 Hz. Low frequency noise Measurement of C-weighted and A- weighted level Measure/assess C and A weighted levels over same time period. Correction to be applied if the difference between the two levels is 15 db or more. 5 db(a) 2 Intermittent noise Subjectively assessed When the night-time noise level drops to that of the background noise level with a noticeable change in noise level of at least 5 db(a). 5 db(a) Impulsive noise A-weighted fast response and impulse response If the difference in A-weighted maximum noise levels between fast response and impulse response is greater than 2 db. Apply the difference in measured noise levels as the correction up to a maximum of 5 db(a) Note 1: Where two or more modifying factors are present the maximum correction is limited to 10 db(a). Note 2: Where a source emits a tonal and low-frequency noise, only one 5 db correction should be applied if the tone is in the low frequency range. 3.4 Proposal specific criteria Construction noise The construction noise criteria for the proposed construction activities during recommended standard hours and outside of the recommended standard hours are provided in Table 3-8 for each sensitive receiver area and are based on Table 3-1, Table 3-2 and the RNP guidance on sleep disturbance. 16 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

25 Table 3-9 Project specific construction noise criteria, db(a) Receiver area Construction noise management level, L Aeq(15min) Sleep During standard recommended hours 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, 8 am to 1 pm Saturday, no work on Sunday or public holidays Noise affected Highly noise affected Outside of standard recommended hours Day 7 am to 8 am and 1 pm to 6 pm Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm Sunday & Public Holidays Evening 6 pm to 10 pm Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays Night 10 pm to 7 am, Monday to Saturday; 10 pm to 8 am Sunday & Public Holidays R1: Buxton residential receivers (away from the rail corridor / road) R2: Buxton residential receivers (adjacent to the rail corridor / road) R3: Bargo River Road residential receivers R4: Tahmoor residential receivers R5: Bargo residential receivers (away from the rail corridor) disturbance criteria 1 L Amax Night 10 pm to 7 am, Monday to Saturday; 10 pm to 8 am Sunday & Public Holidays R6: Bargo residential receivers (adjacent to the rail corridor / road) and residential receivers adjacent to Remembrance Drive R7: Wollondilly Anglican College R8: Tahmoor Public School Note 1: External noise level based on RNP guidance and assuming windows open with 10 db(a) reduction in noise from outside the building to inside the bedroom. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 17

26 3.4.2 Operational noise The operational noise criteria at the residential receivers surrounding the CDU sites are provided in Table 3-10 and are based on criteria discussed in Section 3.3. Table 3-10 Proposal specific operational noise criteria Receiver area Time period Amenity criteria 1,2,3 L Aeq(period) RBL 4, L Aeq(15min) Intrusive criteria, L Aeq(15min) Proposal specific noise criteria Buxton CDU (suburban) Bargo CDU (suburban) Day L Aeq(15min) Evening L Aeq(15min) Night L Aeq(15min) Day L Aeq(15min) Evening L Aeq(15min) Night L Aeq(15min) Tahmoor CDU (suburban) Day L Aeq(15min) Evening L Aeq(15min) Night L Aeq(15min) Note 1: With consideration to the INP noise amenity area classification, the residential receivers surrounding the CDU sites have been classified as suburban. Note 2: Attended observations during the site visit noted that here were no significant industrial noise sources in the area therefore no adjustments have been applied for the proposal. Note 3: INP amenity criteria acceptable recommended noise level. Note 4: The INP recommends that the RBL be set at 30 db(a) when background noise levels are below 30 db(a). 18 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

27 4. Assessment of impacts 4.1 Construction noise Construction activities and noise sources Key potential noise generating construction components relate to the CDUs, HDD, pipeline trenching and site compounds. Typical construction equipment associated with these components is detailed in Table 4-1 along with their expected noise levels. Noise levels of construction equipment have been obtained from Australian Standard, AS Guide to Noise Control on Construction, Maintenance and Demolition Sites, British Standards BS Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites Part 1: Noise and other available data. Table 4-1 Construction activities, equipment and noise levels Component Construction equipment SWL (db(a)) Modelled source height (m) Source CDUs Crane m AS2436 Table A1 Delivery Trucks m AS2436 Table A1 HDD Excavators (8 Tonne) 99 2 m BS5228 Table C4-17 Drill rig m BS5228 Table C2-44 Drill mud recycling unit m American auger datasheet 1 Trenching Excavator (20 Tonne) m AS2436 Table A1 Rock breaker 118 ground AS2436 Table A1 Site compound Manitou m AS2436 Table A1 Front end loader m AS2436 Table A1 Tippers m AS2436 Table A1 Amenities shed Negligible - - Note 1: Source: GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 19

28 4.1.2 Modelling methodology For each construction activity, the potential noise impacts on the surrounding sensitive receivers have been predicted. Noise modelling was undertaken using CadnaA v4.3 which calculates environmental noise propagation according to ISO Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors. The following assumptions and calculation parameters were used in the noise model: land was modelled assuming a mixture of hard and soft ground with a ground absorption coefficient of 0.5 the noise model was used to predict noise levels during a typical worst case 15 minute period of operation where the noisiest item of equipment is running at full power atmospheric absorption was based on an average temperature of 10 C and an average humidity of 70% the algorithm also takes into account the presence of a well-developed moderate ground based temperature inversion, such as commonly occurs on clear, calm nights or downwind conditions which are favourable to sound propagation. A 2.4 m noise barrier has been modelled for the CDU, HDD and site compounds Predicted construction noise levels Predicted construction noise levels are provided in Table 4-2 which identify the predicted noise levels at varying distances from each construction activity. The red bold text identifies distances from activities where the highly noise affected construction noise management levels are potentially exceeded. Predicted receiver distances to meet the construction noise management levels are provided in Table 4-3 for each construction activity. The prediction have been undertaken with and without the consideration of temporary noise barriers around the site to assess the distance from the activities where compliance with the highly noise affected construction noise management level will be achieved. 20 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

29 Table 4-2 Construction equipment noise levels at distance, db(a) Work Item CDU site (with no noise barrier) CDU site (with 2.4 m noise barrier) HDD (with no noise barrier) HDD (with 2.4 m noise barrier) Trenching Site compound (with no noise barrier) Site compound (with 2.4 m noise barrier) SWL Approximate construction noise levels (db(a)) at distance from source Equipment db(a) 10 m 25 m 50 m 100 m 200 m 400 m 800 m Crane Delivery truck Excavator (8 Tonne) Total CDU construction activities Crane Delivery truck Excavator (8 Tonne) Total CDU construction activities Drill rig Drill mud recycling unit Total HDD construction activities Drill rig Drill mud recycling unit Total HDD construction activities Total trenching construction activities (without rock breaker) Total trenching construction activities (with rock breaker) Manitou Front end loader Tippers Total compound construction activities Manitou Front end loader Tippers Total compound construction activities Note 1: Bolded red results indicate exceedance of highly noise affected construction criteria. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21

30 Table 4-3 Receiver distances to meet construction noise management levels Work item CDU site (with no noise barrier) CDU site (with 2.4 m noise barrier) HDD (with no noise barrier) HDD (with 2.4 m noise barrier) Trenching Site compound (with no noise barrier) Site compound (with 2.4 m noise barrier) Distances for exceedence of the noise affected level (m) Highly noise affected Equipment R1: R2: R3: R4 and R5: R6: R7 and R8: distances (m) 42 db(a) 47 db(a) 46 db(a) 45 db(a) 51 db(a) 55 db(a) Crane NA 165 NA 210 NA NA 10 Delivery truck NA 235 NA 295 NA NA 15 Excavators (8 Tonne) NA 95 NA 115 NA NA 5 Total CDU construction activities NA 365 NA 455 NA NA 20 Crane NA 115 NA 140 NA NA 5 Delivery truck NA 160 NA 195 NA NA 5 Excavators (8 Tonne) NA 65 NA 80 NA NA 5 Total CDU construction activities NA 195 NA 245 NA NA 5 Drill rig Drill mud recycling unit Total HDD construction activities Drill rig Drill mud recycling unit Total HDD construction activities Total trenching construction activities (without rock breaker) Total trenching construction activities (with rock breaker) Manitou Front end loader Tippers Total compound construction activities Manitou Front end loader Tippers Total compound construction activities GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

31 CDU sites CDU construction activities during recommended standard construction hours are predicted to exceed the noise affected construction noise management levels at sensitive receivers within the distances identified in Table 4-3. The noise mitigation measures detailed in Section 5.1 would be implemented where feasible and reasonable and all potentially impacted residents would be informed of the nature of the works, expected noise levels, duration of works and a method of contacting Sydney Water to raise noise complaints. There is the potential that the highly noise affected construction noise management level is exceeded at residential receivers within 20 m of sensitive receivers. It is recommended that where CDU site boundaries are located within 20 m of sensitive receivers then a 2.4 m high temporary noise barrier be installed to reduce noise levels to below the highly noise affected level of 75 db(a). With the inclusion of the temporary 2.4 m high noise barrier at the CDU sites, no residences are predicted to experience noise that exceeds the highly noise affected level from CDU construction activities. Pipeline trenching Receivers along the pipeline route would be subject to short-term elevated noise levels during pipeline trenching and rock breaking. Short-term construction work will be typically easier to manage. The ICNG defines short term works as, Short-term means that the works are not likely to affect an individual or sensitive land use for more than three weeks in total. Average pipeline trenching productions rates applicable to rock (and other) ground conditions are: 50 m/day for pipes up to DN m/day for pipes larger than DN225. With these pipeline trenching rates sensitive receivers would be impacted for less than three weeks, and receivers would only experience noise levels over the 75 db(a) for one day (if located within 30 m of rock breaking activities). Since trenching is considered short-term work therefore a quantitative assessment is not required in accordance with the ICNG and the construction noise management levels do not apply (assuming receivers are not impacted by noise from the project for more than 3 weeks in total). The noise mitigation measures detailed in Section 5.1 would be implemented where feasible and reasonable and all potentially impacted residents would be informed of the nature of the works, expected noise levels, duration of works and a method of contacting Sydney Water to raise noise complaints. Pipeline trenching construction noise impacts would also be minimised as: work would be undertaken mainly during standard construction hours work would be short term in duration and would move progressively along the proposal site, meaning that no one receiver would be impacted for an extended period of time. The following sensitive land uses may also be impacted during pipeline trenching: Wollondilly Anglican College Tahmoor Public School. GHD Report for Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme, 21/22849

32 It is recommended that Sydney Water consult with Wollondilly Anglican College and Tahmoor Public School about the timing and location of construction activities in the vicinity of their schools. HDD launch and receival sites HDD construction activities during recommended standard construction hours are predicted to exceed the noise affected construction noise management levels at sensitive receivers within the distances identified in Table 4-3. The noise mitigation measures detailed in Section 5.1 would be implemented where feasible and reasonable and all potentially impacted residents would be informed of the nature of the works, expected noise levels, duration of works and a method of contacting Sydney Water to raise noise complaints. There is the potential that the highly noise affected construction noise management level is exceeded at residential receivers within 25 m of sensitive receivers. It is recommended that where HDD site boundaries are located within 25 m of sensitive receivers then a 2.4 m high temporary noise barrier be installed to reduce noise levels to below the highly noise affected level of 75 db(a). With the inclusion of the temporary 2.4 m high noise barrier at the HDD sites, no residences are likely to experience noise that exceeds the highly noise affected level from HDD construction activities, however this would also be dependent on HDD site locations as the final location of the HDD launch and receival sites would be confirmed during construction planning. Site compound Compound construction activities during recommended standard construction hours are predicted to exceed the noise affected construction noise management levels at sensitive receivers within the distances identified in Table 4-3. The noise mitigation measures detailed in Section 5.1 would be implemented where feasible and reasonable and all potentially impacted residents would be informed of the nature of the works, expected noise levels, duration of works and a method of contacting Sydney Water to raise noise complaints. There is the potential that the highly noise affected construction noise management level is exceeded at residential receivers within 30 m of sensitive receivers. It is recommended that where compound site boundaries are located within 30 m of sensitive receivers then a 2.4 m high temporary noise barrier be installed to reduce noise levels to below the highly noise affected level of 75 db(a). With the inclusion of the temporary 2.4 m high noise barrier at the compound sites, no residences are likely to experience noise that exceeds the highly noise affected level from compound construction activities, however final location of the compound sites would be confirmed during construction planning Out of hours work and sleep disturbance At this stage of the project no out of hours work has been identified to be required. However if out of hours work is required there is the potential that residential receivers will experience noise that exceeds the construction noise management levels and sleep disturbance criteria. If out of hours work is proposed: the Contractor would seek permission from Sydney Water the Contractor s environmental representative would consult with authorities as required and assess whether additional impact assessment is required, including the need for additional mitigation measures such as noise monitoring, noise barriers, and notification of affected landholders. 24 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

33 activities likely to generate the highest levels of noise would be scheduled to occur at the beginning of the shift (prior to 10pm) to minimise the potential for sleep disturbance. All workers would be briefed on the need to minimise noise as a result of their activities. This would be included in a noise management plan the noise management plan would identify noise sensitive locations and the work practices to be implemented to minimise noise impacts Construction traffic impacts The application notes 2 for the Road Noise Policy state that for existing residences and other sensitive land uses affected by additional traffic on existing roads generated by land use developments, any increase in the total traffic noise level as a result of the development should be limited to 2 db above that of the noise level without the development. This limit applies wherever the noise level without the development is within 2 db of, or exceeds, the relevant day or night noise assessment criterion. This is also considered to be applicable for construction noise therefore if road traffic noise increases from construction is within 2 db(a) of current levels then the objectives on the Road Noise Policy are achieved. A significant increase in traffic volumes would be needed in order to increase road traffic noise by 2 db(a) (a doubling in traffic corresponds to an approximate 3 db(a) increase). Construction would generate heavy vehicle movements associated with the transportation of construction machinery, equipment and materials to the site. Light vehicle movements would be associated with employees and smaller deliveries. The following traffic volumes during construction are anticipated: 2 heavy vehicle movements per day for CDU construction sites 5 heavy vehicle movements per day for HDD construction sites 10 heavy vehicle movements per day for trenching. These additional vehicle movements would be spread out over several work areas and would not be significant when compared with the existing vehicle numbers in the study area. Traffic on local roads would be managed in accordance with a traffic management plan which would be prepared by the contractor and would detail specific routes that construction traffic and local traffic would follow throughout the construction phase. 4.2 Construction vibration Table 4-4 outlines typical vibration levels for different plant activities sourced from the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Environmental Noise Management Manual (2001) and GHD s internal measurement database. Table 4-4 Typical vibration levels construction equipment Item Peak particle velocity at 10 m (mm/s) Excavator 2.1 Excavator with hammer 6 Drill rig 0.5 Potential vibration impacts are associated with the construction of the CDUs, drilling and trenching. Potential vibration impacts would be limited to the construction period December 2012 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 25

34 4.2.1 Assessment of impacts In order to determine the safe working buffer distances with consideration to building damage and human comfort, vibration propagation predictions have been undertaken. Safe working buffer distances to comply with the human comfort and structural damage criteria were calculated and are presented in Table 4-5. Table 4-5 Vibration buffer distances (m) Activity Human comfort (1 mm/s PPV) Structural damage Heritage building (3 mm/s) Standard dwellings (5 mm/s) Excavator Excavator with hammer Drill rig Excavation and rock breaking activities have the potential to exceed the human comfort criteria for short periods of time when these activities are being undertaken within 45 m of a residential receiver. All potentially impacted receivers would be informed of the nature of the works, expected vibration levels, duration of works and a method of contacting Sydney Water to raise vibration complaints. The structural damage criteria are not expected to be exceeded with a buffer distance of 12 m and 18 m for standard dwellings and heritage buildings respectively. Appropriate measures have been provided in Section 5.1 to minimise the potential building damage vibration impacts during construction. 4.3 Operational noise impacts The proposed CDU operations at Buxton, Bargo and Tahmoor are the only operational noise sources associated with the addendum REF. The CDU operations have the potential to generate low levels of noise from pumps and fans. The noise emissions for the CDU operations would be designed to meet the operational noise criteria defined by the INP and specified in Section of this report. During detailed design, equipment selection and positioning of the CDU would ensure operating noise levels meet the operational noise criteria. During commissioning of the project, noise monitoring would be conducted at the CDU to assess compliance within the operational noise criteria. Although unlikely, should this monitoring identify any exceedance, mitigation measures would be considered to reduce received noise levels to acceptable levels. 26 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

35 5. Mitigation measures 5.1 Construction noise and vibration mitigation measures Standard mitigation measures There is the potential that construction activities could exceed the construction noise management levels for the proposal. The measures provided below would be implemented to minimise potential construction noise and vibration impacts. Construction noise and vibration mitigation measure Works would be conducted in accordance with the Sydney Water Noise Management Procedure (SWEMS0056) and Noise Management Code of Behaviour (SWEMS ). Site inductions Inductions for the work crew would include the specific noise issues and mitigation measures required for the site. The induction would include: all relevant project specific and standard noise mitigation measures relevant licence and approval conditions permissible hours of work location of nearest sensitive receivers construction employee parking areas designated loading/ unloading areas and procedures site opening/closing times (including deliveries) behavioural practices including: avoiding the use of outdoor radios when working outside the recommended standard hours avoiding shouting and slamming doors where practical, operating machines at low speed or power and switching off when not being used rather than left idling for prolonged periods minimising reversing avoiding dropping materials from height and avoiding metal to metal contact on material. Where the predicted and/or measured construction noise is greater than the noise affected level, works would be conducted in accordance with the ICNG and all reasonable and feasible practices would be undertaken to minimise or avoid noise. Inform property owners/occupiers within the study area in advance of the proposed work and provide a contact phone number for any complaints or concerns during the construction period. Establish and maintain a community information telephone number during construction hours and implement a complaints handling procedure. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 27

36 Construction noise and vibration mitigation measure Site setup and dismantling would occur during standard work hours, reducing noise impacts to sensitive receivers where possible. The site setup would seek to maximise the distance between plant and equipment and any residences and other noise sensitive receivers where practicable. For example, vehicle movements and generator storage would be located as far as possible from residences. Use quieter noise and vibration emitting construction methods where practicable. Machines found to produce excess noise compared to industry best practice would be removed from the site or stood down until repairs or modifications can be made. Check generators and compressors to ensure that noise is minimised, with particular attention to residential grade exhaust mufflers. Ensure that truck engine brakes usage is minimised when entering or leaving the work sites or work areas adjacent to residential properties. Ensure that vibration levels do not exceed those recommended in the standard, DIN : Structural Vibration Part 3; Effects of vibration on structures. Where buildings or structures are located within the structural damage vibration buffer distances identified in Section 4.2.1, a property condition report would be prepared for the premises before and after undertaking the work, with the owner s consent. Compliance vibration monitoring would also be undertaken during high vibration generating activities at buildings or structures are located within the structural damage vibration buffer distances. If out of hours work is proposed: the Contractor would seek permission from Sydney Water the Contractor s environmental representative would consult with authorities as required and assess whether additional impact assessment is required, including the need for additional mitigation measures such as noise monitoring, noise barriers, and notification of affected landholders activities likely to generate the highest levels of noise would be scheduled to occur at the beginning of the shift (prior to 10pm) to minimise the potential for sleep disturbance. All workers would be briefed on the need to minimise noise as a result of their activities. This would be included in a noise management plan the noise management plan would identify noise sensitive locations and the work practices to be implemented to minimise noise impacts. It is recommended that Sydney Water consult with Wollondilly Anglican College and Tahmoor Public School about the timing and location of construction activities in the vicinity of their schools 28 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

37 5.1.2 Respite periods and temporary noise barrier In accordance with the ICNG, respite periods should be considered when the highly noise affected construction noise management levels are exceed for an extended period of time. The highly noise affected construction noise management level has the potential to be exceeded where the: CDU construction activities are located within 20 m of sensitive receivers. HDD construction activities are located within 25 m of sensitive receivers. compound construction activities are located within 30 m of sensitive receivers. It is recommended that compliance noise monitoring be undertaken at any residences within these buffer distances at the commencement of the CDU, HDD and compound construction activities. If noise levels are measured to exceed the highly noise affected level of 75 db(a) then the community would be consulted and (if preferred by the community) temporary 2.4 m high noise barriers would be installed around the sites to reduce noise levels to below the highly noise affected level. It is recommended that the installation of noise barriers would only be considered reasonable if the sensitive receivers surrounding the sites are likely to be impacted by construction noise for more than 3 weeks. With regards to pipeline trenching, sensitive receivers would be impacted for less than three weeks in total, and receivers would only experience noise levels over 75 db(a) for approximately one day. Based on these timeframes the ICNG considers trenching as short-term construction work therefore the ICNG construction noise management levels do not apply. For this proposal with the above mitigation measures implemented, the highly noise affected management level should not be exceeded at any residential receiver for an extended period of time. Therefore, in accordance with the ICNG, the respite periods will not be applicable for the proposed construction works. 5.2 Operational mitigation measures Operational noise levels are anticipated to comply with the noise criteria. To ensure compliance the following operational measures provided below would be implemented. Operational noise mitigation measure Conduct operational phase noise monitoring to assess compliance against operational noise criteria and undertake remedial measures to achieve compliance if required. Investigate noise and vibration complaints and take action in accordance with Sydney Water s relevant customer procedures. GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 29

38 6. Conclusion Construction activities during recommended standard construction hours are predicted to exceed the noise affected construction noise management level at sensitive receivers. Reasonable and feasible construction noise and vibration mitigation measures have been recommended, which would minimise noise impacts at potentially affected receivers. Operational noise from the proposal is predicted to comply with the INP at the surrounding sensitive receivers during general operations. During detailed design, equipment selection and positioning of the CDU would ensure operating noise levels meet the operational noise criteria. To ensure compliance during general operations mitigation measures have been provided to assess compliance during detailed design. The proposal should be acceptable from an acoustic perspective assuming the recommended mitigation measures are implemented. 30 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

39 7. References Assessing Vibration a Technical Guideline, Department of Environment and Conservation, February 2006 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites, BS , British Standards, 2009 Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise, Environmental Protection Authority, 1999) Guide to Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vibration in Buildings (1 Hz to 80 Hz), BS , British Standards, 1992 Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites, AS , Australian Standards, 2010 Industrial Noise Policy, Environmental Protection Authority, January 2000 Interim Construction Noise Guideline, Department of Environment and Climate Change, July 2009 ISO , Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors, International Organization for Standardization, Priority Sewerage Program, Construction and Operational Baseline Noise Study, Buxton Wastewater Scheme, Report Number: , SLR, 14 November 2012 Priority Sewerage Program, Construction and Operational Baseline Noise Study, Bargo Wastewater Scheme, Report Number: R1, SLR, 10 December 2012 Road Noise Policy, Office of Environment and Heritage, March 2011 Structural Vibration Part 3: Effects of vibration on structures, DIN , German Standards, 1999 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 31

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41 Appendices 32 GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 21/22849

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43 Appendix A Noise monitoring charts GHD Sydney Water - Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme Noise and vibration assessment 33

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55 GHD 133 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW T: F: E: sydmail@ghd.com.au GHD 2013 This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited. G:\21\22849\WP\ docx Document Status Rev No. Author Reviewer Approved for Issue Name Signature Name Signature Date 0 P Pandey E Milton P Carson 4/10/13 1 P Pandey E Milton P Carson 05/11/13

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57 Appendix D Aboriginal heritage due diligence assessment

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59 ADDENDUM REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS BARGO AND BUXTON WASTEWATER SCHEME Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment Prepared for GHD On behalf of Sydney Water Wollondilly Local Government Area November 2013 Ref KELLEHER NIGHTINGALE CONSULTING PTY LTD Archaeological and Heritage Management ACN Level 10, 25 Bligh St SYDNEY NSW 2000 Phone

60 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Document Information Project Name Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment Project Number 1116 Status Draft Version 04 Client Name Recipient GHD Peter Carson, Principal Environmental Planner Issue Date Prepared by Approved by Dr Matthew Kelleher; Benjamin Anderson Dr Matthew Kelleher; Alison Nightingale i

61 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Executive Summary Sydney Water is proposing to construct and operate the Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme (referred to as the proposal for the purposes of this report). This report has been prepared to summarise the results of the Aboriginal heritage due diligence assessment of the proposal, undertaken by Kelleher Nightingale Consulting (KNC). The scope of the proposal covered by due diligence relates to the transfer of wastewater. The assessment supports the review of environmental factors addendum (REF Addendum) prepared by GHD in accordance with the requirements of Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). A visual inspection of the addendum study area identified one potential archaeological deposit (BC PAD1) on the western side of Bargo River near the junction of Bargo River Road and Remembrance Driveway. It is recommended that the area of BC PAD1 be avoided by underboring or adopting an alternative route. If the area of BC PAD1 can be avoided, according to the Office of Environment and Heritage Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales, the proposed Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme can proceed with caution. ii

62 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Contents CONTENTS...III 1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT OUTLINE OF THE PROPOSAL Background The proposal ASSESSMENT PROCESS ASSESSMENT IDENTIFY IF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY WILL DISTURB THE GROUND SURFACE DATABASE SEARCH (AHIMS) AND KNOWN INFORMATION SOURCES LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT IMPACT AVOIDANCE ASSESSMENT DESKTOP REVIEW SUMMARY VISUAL INSPECTION LEGISLATIVE CONSIDERATIONS CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES APPENDIX A AHIMS SEARCH RESULTS FIGURES Figure 1. Location of study area and surrounds... 3 Figure 2. Study area and proposed transfer main routes... 4 Figure 3. Registered Aboriginal heritage items near the study area... 7 Figure 4. Geology of the study area... 9 Figure 5. Soil Landscape Figure 6. BC PAD 1 location TABLES Table 1. Frequency of site features from AHIMS database search... 5 iii

63 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Introduction 1.1 Purpose of this report Sydney Water is proposing to construct and operate the Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme (referred to as the proposal for the purposes of this report). This report has been prepared to summarise the results of the Aboriginal heritage due diligence assessment of the proposal, undertaken by Kelleher Nightingale Consulting (KNC). The scope of the proposal covered by due diligence relates to the transfer of wastewater. The assessment supports the review of environmental factors addendum (REF Addendum) prepared by GHD in accordance with the requirements of Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The study area for the assessment consisted of two north-south corridors and an east-west aligned corridor which connected them (Figure 1). The north-south corridors ran along Remembrance Driveway from Bargo to Tahmoor and along Wilson Drive and West Parade between Buxton and Couridjah. The east-west aligned corridor followed Bargo River Road from Couridjah to the intersection of Bargo River Road and Remembrance Driveway. The study area is located on the southern fringe of Wollondilly Shire, 35 kilometres south west of Campbelltown and 30 kilometres north east of Mittagong. 1.2 Outline of the proposal Background It was originally proposed to provide wastewater services to the villages of Bargo and Buxton using individual schemes to collect and treat wastewater, prior to it being used to irrigate a small area of land in the vicinity of each village. Two separate reviews of environmental factors (REFs) for the Bargo Wastewater Scheme and the Buxton Wastewater Scheme were determined by Sydney Water in January 2013 and February 2013 respectively. KNC prepared an Aboriginal heritage due diligence assessment as part of the REF for the Bargo Wastewater Scheme. Following determination of the REFs, Sydney Water undertook further validation of these schemes. As an outcome of this validation exercise, it was determined that a combined scheme would better meet Sydney Water s objectives. As a result, the preferred wastewater servicing scheme for Bargo and Buxton (referred to as the Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme ) now involves transferring wastewater from the two villages to the Picton Sewerage Scheme. To satisfy Sydney Water s obligations under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, GHD has prepared an addendum to the original REFs. The REF Addendum and supporting technical assessments consider the construction and operation of those aspects of the proposal that were not assessed by the original REFs. 1

64 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November The proposal The proposal for the purposes of this assessment would involve: providing a reticulated wastewater collection service for unsewered urban properties within the subsidised service areas of Bargo and Buxton transferring wastewater from the villages to the Picton Sewerage System, via the existing Tahmoor Carrier located in Tahmoor. The on-property works and reticulation network would remain as described in the original REFs. Construction of the on-property works and reticulation network has commenced and is due to be completed by June The key features of the proposal that were not assessed in the original REFs are listed below. The construction and operation of these features is considered by the REF Addendum and supporting assessments: transfer mains and ancillary assets: the Bargo transfer main - a 5.9 km long transfer main between Bargo and the connection with the Buxton transfer main the Buxton transfer main - a 5.4 km long transfer main between Buxton and the connection with the Bargo transfer main an actuated valve chamber at the junction of the Bargo and Buxton transfer mains. a combined transfer main - a 3 km long combined transfer main between the actuated valve and the Tahmoor Carrier. ancillary assets including air release facilities, flushing points and isolation valves chemical dosing units (CDUs) at Bargo, Buxton and Tahmoor a new barometric loop in Tahmoor. The location of the proposal is shown in Figure Assessment process A due diligence Aboriginal archaeological assessment of the proposal was undertaken in accordance with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales. The scope of the proposal for due diligence covers all works related to the transfer of wastewater from the two villages of Bargo and Buxton to the Picton Sewerage Scheme. The due diligence assessment process is a step by step method designed to give proponents a baseline level of information outlining opportunities and constraints related to Aboriginal heritage. The relevant steps are: Determining if the activity will disturb the ground surface or any culturally modified trees (Step 1) Database search: Aboriginal heritage information management system (AHIMS) and known information sources (Step 2a) Landscape assessment (Step 2b) Impact avoidance assessment (Step 3) Desktop assessment and visual inspection (Step 4). The Code of Practice specifies that if the initial assessment process identifies that Aboriginal objects will or are likely to be harmed, then further investigation and impact assessment is required (Step 5). 2

65 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Figure 1. Location of study area and surrounds 3

66 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Figure 2. Study area and proposed transfer main routes 4

67 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Assessment 2.1 Identify if the proposed activity will disturb the ground surface The proposal involves the construction of transfer main pipelines, chemical dosing units (CDU) and barometric loops. Construction of the proposal will disturb the ground surface. The majority of the proposed transfer main network would be situated within the existing road network. However, the proposed transfer main network would need to deviate from the existing road network at the junction of Bargo River Road and Remembrance Drive. This area exhibited patches of intact vegetation that suggested low levels of disturbance. The proposed locations for the CDUs and barometric loops are undeveloped areas in the villages of Bargo, Buxton and Tahmoor. These areas exhibited mixed levels of disturbance. The proposal would disturb the ground surface and was considered to have potential to impact on Aboriginal heritage. As a result, the due diligence process progressed to the next step. 2.2 Database search (AHIMS) and known information sources AHIMS web services The Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) is a database operated by OEH, regulated under section 90Q of the National Parks and Wildlife Act AHIMS contains information and records related to registered Aboriginal archaeological sites (Aboriginal objects, as defined under the Act) and declared Aboriginal places (as defined under the Act) in NSW. A search of AHIMS was conducted on 23 September 2013 to identify registered (known) Aboriginal sites or declared Aboriginal places within or adjacent to the study area. The AHIMS Web Service database search was conducted within the following coordinates (GDA, Zone 56): Eastings: to Northings: to The AHIMS search results showed: 28 Aboriginal sites are recorded in or near the above location 0 Aboriginal places have been declared in or near the above location The distribution of recorded Aboriginal sites within these coordinates are shown in Figure 3. The frequencies of site types within the AHIMS database search area are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Frequency of site features from AHIMS database search Site Types Frequency (%) Art site Art site with artefacts Artefact scatter Culturally modified tree Grinding groove Isolated find Rock engraving Shelter with art Shelter with art/shelter with deposit Shelter with deposit Total

68 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Other heritage registers and databases Other sources of information including heritage registers and lists were also searched for known Aboriginal heritage in the vicinity of the study area. These included: Wollondilly Shire Council Local Environment Plan 2011; Sydney Water Heritage Register; State Heritage Register and State Heritage Inventory; Commonwealth Heritage List; National Heritage List and Australian Heritage Places Inventory No items of Aboriginal heritage were listed or registered on these databases within the boundaries of the study area Known Aboriginal heritage in the area As a result of database searches and review of known information sources it was established that 28 Aboriginal archaeological sites were located in the vicinity of the study area. These included two art sites, one artefact scatter, one culturally modified tree, one grinding groove, four isolated finds, one rock engraving, 14 shelters with art, two shelters with art and deposits and one shelter with deposit. Review of the available information from heritage register searches shows that the most common site context within the vicinity of the study area is the rock shelter with Aboriginal art. The majority of known sites within the area are within close proximity to water sources and utilise the sandstone geology. 6

69 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Figure 3. Registered Aboriginal heritage items near the study area 7

70 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Landscape assessment The study area was located on the crests, ridges and upper to mid slopes that form the eastern and western catchment extents of the Bargo River between Tahmoor and Bargo. The study area also crossed the mid and lower slopes of the Bargo River valley. The Bargo River formed a prominent feature running between the two north-south corridors of the study area before cutting north-east at the junction of Bargo River Road and Remembrance Driveway and joining the Nepean River, 2 km east of Tahmoor. Little River and several creeks including Blue Gum Creek, Blind Creek, Dogtrap Creek and Hornes Creek were located in the vicinity of the study area. The underlying geology of the study area was predominantly Hawkesbury Sandstone with areas of Ashfield Shale. Soils across the area developed in situ from the underlying shale and sandstone geology. The residual soils of Blacktown and Lucas Heights formed on the upper slopes, crests and ridges of the study area whilst the erosional Gymea soil landscape formed within the steeper mid and lower slopes of the Bargo River valley (Hazelton and Tille 1990). The majority of the study area has been subject to extensive disturbance caused by the construction of roads and domestic structures. Areas of vacant land within the villages and vegetated areas near the junction of Bargo River Road and Remembrance Driveway appear to be less disturbed. 2.4 Impact avoidance assessment The placement of the proposal would be designed to cause as minimal environmental impact as possible. The majority of the proposed transfer main network would be located along existing road easements and constructed using horizontal directional drilling (HDD). HDD would be used to construct the proposed transfer main network below any subsurface deposits containing Aboriginal objects. However, the establishment of launch and retrieval sites would impact subsurface deposits that could contain Aboriginal objects. The final locations of the launch and retrieval sites would be determined during detailed design, and would be located as far as practicable to avoid areas containing or potentially containing Aboriginal objects. The proposed CDUs and barometric loops are located on largely cleared undeveloped areas within the villages. These areas exhibit moderate to high levels of disturbance. 8

71 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Figure 4. Geology of the study area 9

72 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Figure 5. Soil Landscape 10

73 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Desktop review summary The desktop review and assessment combined the results of heritage register searches, previous investigations and landscape assessment. Desktop modelling identified low to moderate levels of archaeological potential based on the presence of previously recorded sites, suitable landforms and levels of disturbance within the study area. In summary, no Aboriginal objects or declared Aboriginal places were identified through the desktop review within the study area. Visual inspection of the study area was the next step of the due diligence assessment process. 2.6 Visual inspection The study area was inspected and assessed on 11 September Visual inspection included pedestrian inspection of the proposed locations of the CDUs, barometric loops and transfer main alignments. BC PAD1, a potential archaeological deposit (PAD) was identified within the study area on the western side of the Bargo River near the junction of Bargo River Road and Remembrance Drive (Figure 6). The area was assessed as having potential for subsurface Aboriginal objects based on low level of disturbance, proximity to a permanent water source and similar context to other recorded sites within the area. The area was also located at a natural crossing point of the Bargo River. Apart from BC PAD1 no other areas exhibited archaeological potential with the majority of the study area being disturbed land as a result of existing infrastructure or development. 11

74 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Figure 6. BC PAD 1 location 12

75 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Legislative Considerations The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 is the primary statutory control dealing with Aboriginal heritage in New South Wales. Items of Aboriginal heritage (Aboriginal objects) or declared Aboriginal places are protected and regulated under the Act. An Aboriginal object is defined under the Act as any deposit, object or material evidence (not being a handicraft made for sale) relating to the Aboriginal habitation of the area that comprises New South Wales, being habitation before or concurrent with (or both) the occupation of that area by persons of non-aboriginal extraction, and includes Aboriginal remains. As such, Aboriginal objects are confined to physical evidence and are commonly referred to as Aboriginal sites. It is an offence to harm or desecrate an Aboriginal object, either knowingly [section 86 (1)] or unknowingly [section 86 (2)]. Harm includes to destroy, deface, damage or move. An Aboriginal heritage impact permit (AHIP) issued under section 90 (1) of the Act is required for any activity which will harm an Aboriginal object or declared Aboriginal place. Section 87 (2) of the Act provides a defence against prosecution under section 86 (2) if the defendant exercised due diligence to determine whether the act or omission constituting the alleged offence would harm an Aboriginal object and reasonably determined that no Aboriginal object would be harmed. This defence appears to specifically relate to Aboriginal objects. This due diligence assessment report was commissioned to: exercise due diligence in relation to Aboriginal objects; comply with the requirements of the Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales; identify if the proposal would harm an Aboriginal object and, if so, what measures can be taken to avoid that harm; and reasonably determine that no Aboriginal object would be harmed. One area with the potential for deposits containing Aboriginal objects (BC PAD1) was identified within the study area. No works should be allowed to disturb the ground surface of BC PAD 1. However, if the Option 2 Road Overbridge is used (e.g.as shown in Figure 6) or if Option 1 HDD is underbored then the proposal would avoid the identified area of Aboriginal archaeological potential. Provided BC PAD1 is avoided, it would be reasonable to determine based on assessment of disturbance, landforms and visual inspection that no Aboriginal objects will be harmed by the proposed activity within the boundaries of the study area as shown in this report. 13

76 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November Conclusions and recommendations No registered sites were identified during the desktop review within the study area. Significant disturbance of ground surfaces in the study area associated with residential development and road construction have impacted on the survival of Aboriginal objects across most of the study area. One area of potential archaeological deposit (BC PAD1) was identified during the visual inspection. This PAD was located in an area of low disturbance in close proximity to Bargo River and within a context similar to other recorded Aboriginal sites near the study area. It is recommended that BC PAD1 be avoided by underboring or adopting an alternative transfer main route. If BC PAD1 can be avoided, according to the OEH Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales, the proposed Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme can proceed with caution. If BC PAD1 cannot be avoided than further investigation and impact assessment is required. 14

77 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 References DECCW, 24 September Code of Practice for Archaeological Investigation of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales: Part 6 National Parks and Wildlife Act Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, Sydney. DECCW, September Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Sydney. Hazelton, P.A., and Tille, P.J., Soil Landscapes of the Wollongong-Port Hacking 1:100,000 Sheet. Soil Conservation Service of NSW, Sydney. Kelleher Nightingale Consulting Pty Ltd. (KNC) Bargo Wastewater Scheme. Review of Enviromental Factors (REF). Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment. Report prepared for Sydney Water. 15

78 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November 2013 Appendix A AHIMS Search Results 19

79 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November

80 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November

81 Addendum REF Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme: Aboriginal Heritage Due Diligence Assessment November

82 GHD 133 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW T: F: E: sydmail@ghd.com.au GHD 2013 This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited. G:\21\22849\WP\ docx Document Status Rev Author Reviewer Approved for Issue No. Name Signature Name Signature Date 0 A Raleigh P Carson P Carson 14/10/13 1 A Raleigh P Carson P Carson 29/10/13 2 A Raleigh P Carson P Carson 5/11/13

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