Section 3.15 Lighting

Transcription

1 Section 3.15 Lighting

2 Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement Abbot Point Coal Terminal 0 EIS Adani

3 3.15 Lighting This section of the EIS is produced in accordance with the published EIS Guidelines for the Project. The section describes the existing lighting values at the Port of Abbot Point, and assesses the lighting impacts of the proposed Project. This assessment is based on desktop literature review of background information, site visits, and modelling of lighting scenarios. The section also investigates how these impacts may relate to terrestrial and marine ecology, including species listed as conservation significant under the Commonwealth s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Lastly, mitigation measures are proposed to avoid, minimise or offset impacts associated with lighting. The Cumulative Impact Assessment Lighting Technical Report (GHD 2012) and the Cumulative Impact Assessment Report (ELA and OpenLines 2012) were used in this assessment. Discussion on these values is also provided in Section 3.11 Terrestrial Ecology and Section 3.9 Marine Ecology Relevant Legislation and Polices There is no Commonwealth or State legislation that specifically regulate lighting levels. Relevant standards have been developed to guide levels of lighting acceptable for human health and safety. There are currently no guidelines or standards developed specifically to guide lighting levels relative to impacts on the environment, or faunal species (terrestrial or marine) Australian Standards There are no Australian Standards that specifically regulate lighting levels for ports or associated loading and shipping activities. The following Australian Standards provide guidance and acceptable levels of lighting for indoor and outdoor environments, safety requirements. AS 4282: Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting; AS/NZS 1680 Part 0: Safe movement; AS/NZS 1680 Part 1: Interior and workplace lighting - general principles and recommendations; AS/NZS 1680 Part 2.4: Interior lighting - industrial tasks and processes; AS/NZS Interior and workplace lighting - exterior workplace electric lighting; and In the absence of lighting requirements specific for port operations and activities, levels from AS/NZS for mines and quarries - have been used as a guide (GHD 2012). Appendix E8 Lighting Abbot Point CIA Report, outlines the requirements under these standards International Standards The following are International Standards which may be relevant for lighting associated with the Project, lighting assessment and requirements. CIE-S 015/E: lighting for outdoor work places; British Standard EN : lighting of work places, outdoor work places; and Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-499

4 UK - Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Lighting Division - Industrial Lighting Guide These standards provide information on specific lighting requirements useful for the impact assessment of the Project, with the CIBSE Industrial Lighting Guide (1989) outlining requirements for port related infrastructure including loading/unloading areas, stacking areas and jetties. The American Department of Defence criteria for piers and wharves can also be used in the absence of other guidelines. Appendix E8 Lighting Abbot Point CIA Report, outlines the requirements under these standards Vessel Lighting The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 outline vessel lighting standards, which apply from sunset to sunrise, during conditions of restricted visibility and in all other circumstances deemed necessary. These regulations cover vessels in transit, vessels at anchor, and vessels at berth. Appendix E8 Lighting Abbot Point CIA Report, outlines the requirements under these regulations Method The lighting assessment for the Project was undertaken via a desktop review of assessments completed for projects in the Port of Abbot Point which have direct relevance to the Project. These assessments include the following: Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility Project EIS (GHD 2009); Abbot Point Cumulative Impact Assessment (ELA and OpenLines 2012); and Cumulative Impact Assessment Lighting Technical Report (GHD 2012). The most extensive assessment of lighting impacts was undertaken by GHD from (GHD 2012) and provides the basis for the lighting assessment presented for the Project. In brief this assessment was undertaken using data sourced from desktop reviews of available literature, field visits and extensive modelling. All Australian and International Standards and regulations for lighting levels were reviewed as part of the assessment to identify the legislative requirements for lighting conditions at the existing T1, and for the Project. Standards and regulations relevant to this lighting assessment are detailed in Appendix E8 Lighting Abbot Point CIA report. The lighting assessment undertaken for the Abbot Point CIA involved the following stages: Desktop review of the latest Australian and International Standards for lighting levels; Description of existing onshore and offshore lighting conditions including: - A site visit to assess potential lighting issues and spot measurements of the lighting associated with T1 infrastructure and location of the Project - Modelling of existing light conditions using industry standard computer packages (Dialux v4.10 and AGI.32) Modelling of potential light levels of the Project to assess potential lighting impacts; Assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of the identified potential impacts; Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-500

5 Description of potential impacts to local ecology from the identified potential impacts; and Description of mitigation measures to address the potential impacts. Modelling for the lighting assessment utilised design packages to generate a modelled output that provided an indicative representation of the lighting environment of the existing and proposed developments (including the Project) (GHD 2012) Site Visit The lighting study for the Abbot Point CIA utilised data sourced from on-site visual observations and spot light measurements to identify the existing artificial light conditions at the Port of Abbot Point. A survey of the T1 operational area was conducted, including both day time visual observations and night time spot light measurements. Spot light measurements were also conducted on and adjacent to Abbot Beach (a turtle nesting beach) between November 2011 and March 2012 (GHD 2012). Further details on method are included in Appendix E8 Lighting Abbot Point CIA report, however, generally: Visual observations were used to describe the existing artificial light conditions at the port and inform the development of a 3D illuminance model of T1 infrastructure; Spot light measurements were used to assess compliance of existing light conditions with Australian and International Standards/regulations and measure levels of direct light spill to adjacent areas. Measurements were taken from the existing T1 operations of: - Shiploader 1 at deck - Shiploader 2 at deck - Tower - Roadway under conveyor at jetty - Trestle roadway - Existing Material Offloading Facility (MOF) - Access road - Abbot Beach Cloud level and moonlight can affect lighting assessments, and as such, the ideal conditions are when there is no cloud, and no moon. Measurements of the T1 operational light levels were not affected by moon or star light, although there was 100% cloud cover on one survey night. Spot light measurements of Abbot Beach were taken on an ideal night (clear starlit, with a new moon) (GHD 2012). Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-501

6 Modelling Software Two modelling packages (Dialux v4.10 and AGI.32) were used to assess the illuminance of T1 and the proposed developments assessed in the Cumulative Impact Assessment reports (GHD 2012). These are industry standard packages to assess the potential change in light conditions during construction and operation of the Project. The modelling included current lighting from the existing T1 infrastructure, as well as a number of proposed developments at the Port of Abbot Point, including the Project. The modelling incorporated a number of different scenarios for each proposed development, allowing discrete outputs for each individual project, as well as the cumulative impact of all projects. The outputs from this modelling were suitable to assess the lighting impacts from the Project. The following components were modelled; those components relevant to the Project are marked with an asterisk (*). A full description of the Project is provided in Section 2 Project Details: Onshore conveyors at the end of each bund (*only three bunds are relevant for the Project); A typical stacker/reclaimer unit that travels along each bund transferring bulk material to the onshore conveyors*; Jetty structure and vessel berths that include the trestle, berthing dolphins, offshore conveyor, road and walkway* (*only that which is relevant for the Project); A typical bulk cargo vessel*; A typical construction camp for people with an 8 ha footprint; Two MOFs (*only one (Eastern MOF) is relevant for the Project); Five laydown areas (*only the two which are relevant for the Project); Rail loops (*including rail loops concentric with the existing loops were modelled as representing the Project); and Onshore and offshore construction lighting*. AutoCad was used to develop a 3D model of the existing T1 and the proposed Project, drawing upon physical dimensions obtained during the T1 site visit. Method and assumptions relating to the modelling assessment are described in Appendix E8 Abbot Point CIA Lighting report. The modelled outputs illustrate the intensity and location of light spill on different surfaces of infrastructure and surrounds relative to the Port of Abbot Point. To illustrate the amount and the intensity of sky glow at Abbot Beach, a vertical (50 m) wall was included in the outputs Scenarios Using the components listed above, three scenarios were developed and modelled relevant to the distinct individual projects (thereby making the modelling outputs suitable for assessing the T0 lighting impacts), as well as the cumulative developments (GHD 2012), including: Existing conditions: T1 lighting infrastructure (including two vessels at berth and one in transit); Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-502

7 Construction scenario: existing T1 lighting infrastructure, construction of the proposed projects (onshore and offshore) at Abbot Point (including the Project), and relevant Common User Infrastructure (CUI) components (i.e. construction camp, laydown areas and MOF); and Operation scenario: existing T1 lighting infrastructure and the proposed developments operational infrastructure including 8 vessels at berth, 3 in transit and 58 at anchor. The modelled lighting infrastructure of the proposed developments was based on installation of best practice/standard lighting technologies available in 2012 (in this case Type 6 luminaires), which are different to the current T1 infrastructure. Importantly, the proposed developments listed above greatly exceed the works required for the Project and as such, represent greater than a full operational capacity scenario Sensitive Receptors Three sensitive receptors were identified as being relevant for the lighting assessment for marine and terrestrial fauna within the Project area: Abbot Beach - in proximity to the eastern edge of the Project; Marine environment - relevant for the MOF, jetty and berths; and Caley Valley Wetland - in proximity to the T1 facility, on the western edge of the Project Assumptions and Limitations Please refer to Appendix E8 Abbot Point CIA Technical Report for the assumptions and limitations incorporated in the lighting assessment Existing Environment Artificial lighting at the Port is associated with all components of T1 including: Coal stockpile areas; Stacker/reclaimers; On - and offshore conveyors; Accommodation, administration and amenities blocks; Jetty; Roadways; and Berths. Existing T1 lighting is associated with walkway/maintenance lighting on the conveyors and jetty. Spot light measures indicated general compliance with Australian Standards, however, light spill was evident. The light spill may have been caused by the type of existing luminaries and incorrectly aimed floodlights. The light spill may not be compliant with the standard for obtrusive light (AS 4282:1997) (GHD 2012). Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-503

8 Observations Coal Stockpiles At night, the main source of light from the T1 infrastructure was from the walkway/maintenance lighting of the conveyors and stacker/reclaimers (Plate 3-16). The majority of the remaining stockpile area was not illuminated, except lighting along defined roadways. The general maintenance luminaire used in the stockpiles area (lamp Type 1) did not provide total cut-off lighting (GHD 2012). Stackers / Reclaimers The main lighting source from the stacker/reclaimers was located at the scoop (this allows the area being worked to be lit). Walkaways adjacent to the conveyors were also lit for safety reasons. The transfer tower directs material from the stockpile conveyors to the appropriate conveyor line (e.g. offshore conveyor), and are generally enclosed, thereby restricting light spill. However, the external maintenance staircases for the transfer towers are lit (Plate 3-17) (GHD 2012). Plate 3-16: Night time view of T1 with the conveyor lights in the foreground (rig additional stacker/reclaimers in the background (source: GHD 2012) Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-504

9 Plate 3-17: Side view of transfer tower at night showing conveyor and maint GHD 2012) Onshore Conveyors Generally, the twin offshore conveyors have maintenance walkways on either side which are lit at night (Plate 3-18), and were also observed to operate during the day (GHD 2012). Plate 3-18: Night time view of T1 coal stockpile yard, twin offshore conveyor (source: GHD 2012) Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-505

10 Jetty The T1 jetty has lighting along the length of the roadway and over the maintenance walkway (Plate 3-19). Vehicle passing bays of the roadway also have lighting. Additional lighting is required for maintenance activities (if performed at night), and may be generated by side work lights on vehicles or trailer generator floodlights (GHD 2012). Plate 3-19: Night view of T1 jetty, looking toward the berths (source: GHD Wharves The T1 wharves include berths, conveyors, road and maintenance walkways, shiploader, and berthing dolphins. The majority of the lighting generated along the wharves is associated with the walkways, however the shiploaders, berth conveyors, and berthing dolphins are also lit (see Plates 3-18 to 3-19). The upper walkway on one of the berths has bulkheads on columns which lack glare control, resulting in emission of lighting on all sides. Floodlights are angled across the roadway and berth. Some lights on the shiploader were observed to be lit during daylight hours. The upper walkway of one shiploader utilised lights which had a full cut-off design. Light spill was observed from the shiploader (GHD 2012). Lighting design on the second berth conveyor incorporated full cut-off lighting, floodlights aimed at the area to be lit, and flat glass resulting in little or no light spill (GHD 2012). Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-506

11 Vessels In the absence of vessel lighting observations, legislative lighting requirements are used (GHD 2012). Plate 3-20: Shiploader 2 at night with the Type 1 luminaire (source: GHD Site Lighting Measurements T1 Operational Area GHD summarised spot light measurements as detailed in Table Table T1 lighting levels Area Recommended lux from AS/NZS Measured lux Trestle roadway (maintenance) Roadway under conveyor at jetty */60 Shiploader 1 at deck Shiploader 2 at deck Transfer tower working area *There was a floodlight directly above affecting the reading, but the roadway was generally lower level (source: GHD 2012). Direct Light Spill to Adjacent Areas No direct light spill was observed on Abbot Beach; the water line to the high tide mark was dark. The transfer tower produced the greatest light spill, which reached the western side of the trees which line the dune to Abbot Beach. Where vegetation was thin (in particular, near the existing MOF) some light was observed to come through the trees, but the levels were not excessive (0.5 lux). The sky glow from the stacker/reclaimers was not distinct from the starry sky, and from the ground level at the beach, the trees masked the sky glow. The existing tree line along the service road appears to screen the lighting from the beach (GHD 2012). Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-507

12 Modelling of T Onshore Conveyors Three sets of conveyors transport material from the stockpile to the header conveyor, which only had lighting located where there was machinery, or a change in direction or height. The highest intensity of luminance was located directly adjacent to the conveyors, and in association with the conveyor head (Plate 3-21) (GHD 2012). Direct light spill occurred on, or in the area, west of the access road, with no direct light spill occurring on Abbot Beach (Plate 3-21). This output was supported by spot light measurements as described above. The sky glow adjacent to the beach and the dune was slightly greater than full moon and building emergency lighting levels (GHD 2012). Plate 3-21: Modelled lux from T1 onshore conveyors (source: GHD 2012) Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-508

13 Stacker / Reclaimer The stacker/reclaimers have twin rows of lighting on both sides of the boom, lit maintenance walkways and ladders, and a lit pick-up conveyor at the rear. The stacker/reclaimer was lit on all lengths (Plate 3-22). Plate 3-22: Modelled lux from a typical stacker/reclaimer (source: GHD 2012) Wharves Asymmetrical floodlights are installed on Berth 1 to project light across the roadway and shiploader rails. Bulkheads are installed on columns along the upper walkway and the shiploader uses floodlights for the operator to see into the vessel holds. The highest intensity lighting was focused on the wharf. The maximum lux spill into the marine environment was at the berthing dolphins, at a level between full moon overhead and a light in a household room (Plate 3-23) (GHD 2012). Plate 3-23: Modelled lux from T1 wharf (source: GHD 2012) Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-509

14 Jetty The highest lux at the jetty was on the jetty surfaces. An open mesh grill along the walkway allowed light through, illuminating the structure and water below. Cladding did not entirely encase the conveyors, so light from the conveyors illuminated the water below (Plates 3-24 and 3-25) (GHD 2012). Plate 3-24: Modelled lux from T1 jetty walkway - cross section (source: GHD 2012) Plate 3-25: Modelled lux from T1 jetty walkway showing spill onto marine environment Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-510

15 Vessels Maximum vessel light spill occurred when it was berthed, if operational lighting (walkways and hand rails) are on. While lighting number and intensity varied between vessels, Plate 3-26 shows the lighting on a typical bulk carrier. The maximum illumination occurred on the surface of the vessel, and the light spill onto the surrounding marine environment (represented by purple line on Plate 3-26) was equivalent to a new moon on a clear night (GHD 2012). Plate 3-26: Modelled lux of a typical bulk carrier at berth (source: GHD 2012) Summary of Existing Conditions On-site observations, spot lighting measures and modelling of the existing conditions at the Port of Abbot Point indicate that the following baseline conditions are present at the Port of Abbot Point: Lighting was present in all areas of T1 with the majority of the illuminance associated with the walkway/maintenance lighting on the conveyors and jetties. The stacker/reclaimers provided the greatest contribution of sky glow to the adjacent Abbot Beach; Spot light measurements indicated that T1 lighting generally complied with the Australian Standard, however lighting spill did not comply with the current standards for obtrusive light requirements. The high levels of light spill at T1 were caused by the use of Type 1 luminaires that were not consistent with 2012 lighting technology; Photometric data for each luminaire type was obtained from lighting manufacturers and as such modelled luminance was considered very comparable to measured lighting. This was confirmed during spot light measurements with readings obtained equivalent to modelling results; Modelled luminance indicated that existing light spill occurred over a 139 ha area ( 0.2 lux), 52 ha of which occurred into the marine environment. This modelling indicated that no direct light Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-511

16 spill occurred to Abbot Beach or the Wetland. Adjacent to Abbot Beach there were levels of sky glow generally between 0.2 and 2 lux (slightly greater than full moon overhead and building emergency lighting levels); and Spot light measurements conducted along Abbot Beach under ideal conditions confirmed the modelling results that no direct light spill occurred to Abbot Beach as a result of T1 operations (GHD 2012) Impacts associated with the Project Construction phase Key sources of lighting during construction of all projects will include: Laydown areas; MOFs; Offshore construction lighting (for jetties and wharves); and Onshore construction lighting (for stockyards, conveyors and rail loops) (GHD 2012). The lighting assessment undertaken at the Port of Abbot Point included all components from the Project, T2, and T3 proposed projects, and the CUI. The above components are relevant to the Project, however, as the model considered all projects lower impacts will be realised if the Project is considered in isolation Laydown areas Equipment and material laydown areas for Phase 1 will be established in the area used as laydown for the X50 onshore and offshore works. For Phase 2 construction will use a new laydown area located along the Abbot Point access road on the eastern side between the two existing quarries. Lighting locations selected and assessed within the Abbot Point CIA report included a worst case scenario for laydown areas which we modelled for a location adjacent to the MOF, and near the tip of Abbot Beach. The area was modelled with full lighting around the perimeter of the footprint. For both laydown areas, the highest illuminance will be located at the centre of the laydown areas, with some light spill occurring around the perimeter. No direct light spill was shown to occur onto sensitive receptors (the marine environment, the Wetland, and Abbot Beach), or sky glow to Abbot Beach (Plate 3-27 and 3-28) (GHD 2012). Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-512

17 Plate 3-27: Modelled illuminance from laydown area 4 in relation to Abbot Beach (source: GHD 2012) Plate 3-28: Modelled illuminance from laydown area 5 in relation to Abbot Beach (source: GHD 2012) Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-513

18 Material Offloading Facility No lighting currently exists at the MOF. The MOF will be upgraded as part of the Project, and will have lighting during construction and operation. The modelling showed the majority of the light will be directed onto the facility, but there will be minor light spill to the marine environment of 0.4 ha area. The majority of the light spill is expected to be equivalent to a full moon on a clear night, however, at the perimeter of the MOF there will be more intense light spill (Plate 3-29). The landward end of the MOF will have light spill onto roadways and turning areas. Direct light spill and sky glow will occur to the northern end of Abbot Beach (an area of 0.2 ha), immediately south of the MOF, of a maximum luminance equivalent to a full moon on a clear night (GHD 2012). Plate 3-29: Modelled illuminance from the MOF in relation to Abbot Beach (source: GHD 2012) Offshore construction lighting Vessels (tugs and barges) will be used for construction of the MOF and offshore infrastructure. The expected maximum light spill onto the marine environment from these vessels is 0.4 ha for a tug and 0.3 ha for a barge. If minor construction works are required at night, the extent of light spill during the construction will be dependent on the number and location of vessels in use at that time (GHD 2012) Onshore construction lighting During construction of onshore infrastructure such as stockyards, conveyors and the rail loops, the footprint of the construction areas will require lighting. Lighting for the rail loops may result in light spill to the Wetland and the terrestrial environment. However, the model considered the standard gauge rail loop option situated closer to the Wetland (which has been subsequently discounted from the Project design) than the common rail corridor option within the existing T1 Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-514

19 corridor which will result a much lesser potential for spill to the Wetland than originally predicted. Illumination of the construction lighting for the Project conveyors is expected to be confined to the construction footprint, with no light spill to Abbot Beach (GHD 2012). The extent of impacts of onshore infrastructure construction will be dependent on the location and extent of the construction activities Operational Phase Onshore conveyors For the operation of the Project, it is proposed there will be two onshore conveyors. The illuminance is expected to be focused on the immediate vicinity of the conveyors. The operation of the Project with T1 has the potential to increase sky glow to Abbot Beach (Plate 3-30) (GHD 2012). Plate 3-30: Modelled lux from conveyors and stockpiles with all projects (source: GHD 2012) Stackers / Reclaimers The worst case scenario of a stacker/reclaimer located close to Abbot Beach was modelled. The illuminance varied from slightly less sky glow than conveyors (at a higher height) to a higher level of sky glow than the conveyors (at up to 35 m high, the maximum height of a stacker/reclaimer) (GHD 2012). The sky glow from a stacker/reclaimer at this location would impact Abbot Beach (Plate 3-31). Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-515

20 Plate 3-31: Modelled lux from an operating stacker/reclaimer located close to Abbot Beach (source: GHD 2012) Wharves It is predicted that the lighting from the Project wharf would be similar to the existing T1 wharf. The Project wharf will install a higher standard of lighting fixtures than are installed on T1 wharf and it is therefore expected that light spill to the marine environment will be less than it is for T1. Lighting adjacent to the wharf however will be increased (GHD 2012) (Plate 3-32). Plate 3-32: Modelled lux from the proposed wharf (source: GHD 2012) Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-516

21 Jetty The Project jetty is proposed to be located adjacent (within 100m) to the existing T1 jetty. It could be assumed that the Project jetty would have similar light spill and sky glow impacts to that of the T1 jetty, but with the installation of a higher standard of lighting fixtures to reduce spill Vessels As a result of the Project, the maximum number of vessels could increase from two at berth and one in transit (under T1 conditions) to four at berth and two in transit (Project and T1 operating). The maximum light spill associated with vessels at berth will be around walkways and handrails (maximum of 4.6 ha of spill to the marine environment per vessel). Whilst at anchor, the majority of lights will be projected horizontally to reduce sky glow and light spill to the marine environment. There are two proposed anchorage locations for vessels calling at the Port of Abbot Point (Figure 3-94). The proposed northern anchorage area is located 10 km to the north of Abbot Point and the proposed southern anchorage area is located 11 km to the northeast of Abbot Point. Sky glow from the anchorage areas will not overlap with light spill from the onshore or offshore infrastructure components (refer to Section 3.16 Shipping) Potential Impacts of Lighting on the Environment Artificial lighting can have a variety of impacts on different species, and consequently determines whether, and how, a habitat or area is used by animals. Species react differently to light according to the intensity, wavelength (spectral context), duration and colour (ELA and OpenLines 2012) ( Table 3-111), such reactions/impacts can be observed in the following behaviours: Disorientation and mis-orientation; Attraction/repulsion; Alteration in foraging and breeding behaviours; Change in movement behaviours; and Change in community interactions (competition and predation) (GHD 2012, ELA and OpenLines 2012; see Sections 3.11 Terrestrial Ecology and Section 3.9 Marine Ecology). Table Potential impact of artificial lighting (source: GHD 2012) Potential impact of artificial lighting Amphibians Terrestrial reptiles Birds Terrestrial mammals Aggregation at light sources interfering with predator-prey relationships; and Change in behaviour such as detection and avoidance of predators, mate choice and territorial interactions Altered foraging behaviour and dispersal movement. Reduced suitability of roosting and breeding (non-migratory species) habitat within lit areas and adjacent Disruption of foraging behaviour and dispersal movement; and Increased risk of predation Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-517

22 Potential impact of artificial lighting Marine turtles Marine fauna Migratory birds Adults: Deterrence of females from nesting beaches; Nesting in sub-optimal conditions; and Disorientation of nesting females Hatchlings: Disorientation and mis-orientation upon emergence from nest and during offshore dispersal Decrease in habitat suitability; and Alteration in prey diversity, abundance, and behaviour Disorientation during migration; Reduced suitability of roosting habitat; and Alteration in migratory shorebird foraging behaviour Impacts to the Marine Environment The existing T1 operation (including jetty, wharves, and vessels) is a lit site with direct light spill of approximately 52 ha onto the marine environment (GHD 2012, ELA and OpenLines 2012). The current operations do not cause any direct light spill onto Abbot Beach. It is expected that the construction of the MOF upgrade will result in an increase in the amount of light spill (an increase of 0.2 ha) at an intensity equivalent to a full moon on a clear night (GHD 2012). Construction and operation of conveyors and stacker/reclaimers adjacent to Abbot Beach will increase the sky glow over Abbot Beach. Operation of the Project is not expected to result in direct light spill to Abbot Beach, however the sky glow will increase as a result of the additional jetty, wharf, berth and vessels. Nocturnal behaviours of marine turtles (nesting, and hatchling emergence and dispersal) can be disrupted by artificial lighting. It has been shown that light affects selection of, or deterrence from, nesting sites, dispersal behaviour into the sea after nesting, and the ability of hatchlings to locate and disperse into the sea once they have emerged from nests (ELA and OpenLines 2012; Witherington and Martin 1996; Witherington 1997; and Limpus 2008). These behaviours can result in lower occurrence of nesting at particular locations, and lower survival of hatchlings. If nesting beaches are impacted by artificial lighting and turtles are not able to select the most favourable nesting sites, they may use sub-optimal nesting beaches, potentially compromising hatchling fitness, sex ratio and survivorship (Limpus 2008; and Witherington and Martin 1996 (cited in GHD 2009)). As Abbot Beach is regarded as a low to medium density nesting site, and potentially a secondary nesting site (Bell 2003; and Miller and Limpus 2012), it is not expected that in its existing state it is the most favourable nesting site in the area. While the magnitude of lighting impacts on different turtle species is unknown, an analysis of the sensitivity of different turtle species (including Green, Flatback and Hawksbill turtles) is provided in the Abbot Point CIA Lighting Technical Report (GHD 2012). Recent research on Flatback hatchlings show different orientation behaviour if exposed to artificial lighting compared to when not exposed to artificial lighting. Variables such as light type and intensity (distance from light source) contributed to the difference in behaviours (Pendoley 2005 cited in GHD 2009). Pendoley s research also determined that sodium vapour lighting had less potential to interfere with Flatback hatchling navigational behaviour, compared to fluoride or metal halide lighting (Pendoley 2005 (cited in GHD 2009)). Turtles orient themselves using contrasts in light intensity, and will move toward the brightest light intensity (GHD 2012). Naturally at night the brightest light is that of the stars and moon reflecting Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-518

23 on the ocean. When an artificial light source is brighter than this natural light, hatchlings may become disorientated and may be attracted to the artificial light source, rather than the ocean. Disorientation behaviour is demonstrated when hatchlings follow a continuous circular path, or constantly change direction (GHD 2012). Lit boat anchorages and other artificial lighting offshore may affect hatchling dispersal, resulting in congregation around such light sources (ELA and OpenLines 2012) Operation of the Project is not expected to result in direct light spill to Abbot Beach and as such is not anticipated to impact on nesting turtles. The increase in sky glow however may result in more disorientation of nesting and hatchling turtles using Abbot Beach. However, it is expected that with measures regarding the type of lighting used, direction of light installation, use of only necessary lighting, and other mitigation and management measures, lighting impacts can be limited. At this stage, only limited studies have been conducted at Abbot Point on the use of the beach by turtles, and the effects of the existing T1 lighting conditions on the turtles and their behaviours. Adani are proposing to undertake nesting surveys during the coming summer (2012/2013) and will continue to monitor turtle activity during construction and operation of the Project. This will ensure that any potential impacts associated with the Project can be monitored (e.g. potential lighting impacts) and if required further mitigation measures can be developed. The operation and construction EMPs that will be developed as part of the Project will account for management of impacts to marine fauna. It is expected that through EMPs, monitoring of turtle populations and use of the area, Adani will ensure that the breeding of turtles at Abbot Point will not be impacted by the Project and there will not be any long term reduction in turtle populations. The Abbot Point CIA synthesis report concluded that when all projects were considered in conjunction the installation of additional onshore port infrastructure adjacent to the beach will increase the level of sky glow and the upgrade of the existing eastern MOF adjacent to Abbot Beach is predicted to result in 0.2 ha of direct light spill to Abbot Beach (ELA and OpenLines 2012). The resulting increases in sky glow and direct light from the spill has the potential to increase the risk of impacting adult and hatchling turtles in the areas immediately adjacent to the Project (ELA and OpenLines 2012). These impacts however can be mitigated and managed through the implementation of the management measures detailed below. The report also outlined that the marine environment that will be directly exposed to lighting impacts is relatively small compared to the available habitat at Abbot Point and surrounding areas (ELA and OpenLines 2012). Furthermore, Abbot Beach is not known as a critical breeding, nesting, or inter-nesting habitat for either species of turtle Impacts to the Terrestrial Environment Onshore, the existing conveyors and stacker/reclaimers at T1 currently result in sky glow over Abbot Beach. However, the current operations do not cause any direct light spill or sky glow onto the Wetland. The construction and operation of the Project is not expected to cause any light spill onto the Wetland, therefore, lighting impacts from the Project are not expected to affect migratory shorebirds. Whilst Adani does not anticipate any impacts on the terrestrial environment or associated fauna from construction or operational lighting associated with the Project, lighting installed at the Project site will be best standard. Further, mitigation and management measures as per Section 7 will be implemented. Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-519

24 Mitigation Measures In order to reduce, minimise and potentially eliminate impacts on the marine and terrestrial environments from lighting at the Project, Adani will aim to meet the objectives from the Abbot Point CIA Report (ELA and OpenLines 2012): During construction, proponents should ensure direct light spill onto the Abbot Point turtle nesting beach is minimised and does not exceed the predicted 0.2 ha area currently identified; During operation, proponents should ensure no direct light spill onto the Abbot Point turtle nesting beach and near-shore marine environment during and either side of the turtle nesting and Hatching season; Proponents should strive to maximize the efficiency of port operations such that the number of ships at anchor and associated light spill are kept to a minimum; Proponents should undertake the necessary measures to minimise edge effects including those associated with disturbance; and Access to Abbot Beach and the adjacent near-shore marine environment should be restricted during the turtle nesting season (apart from commitments made with Traditional Owners). Where access cannot be completely avoided, protocols should be established that control access, outline permitted activities and appropriate staff behaviour at these times in order to minimise the potential for disturbance to nesting female turtles. Such arrangements could be modelled on turtle watching codes of conduct developed by the tourist industry. It is expected that by conducting the following management and mitigation measures, Adani will meet the aims and objectives listed above: Lighting will be limited to only that which is essential during both construction and operational periods; Lights will be installed low in the vertical plane and use the lowest intensity practicable; Lighting will be arranged so as to avoid direct light spill or unnecessary sky glow over Abbot Beach; Intense lights, or clusters of light, will be avoided where practicable; Automated control systems will be investigated to switch off or reduce lighting where practicable, including the use of timers and motion detectors; Materials used in Project surfaces and coverings will minimise reflection; Screening of Abbot Beach will be maintained and maximised through the maintenance of vegetation and screening at light sources if required; Consider designing ground-level path lighting for use where practicable; Adani will ensure only lighting necessary for safety and for the activity is used while in transit within the Abbot Point region, anchored, and at berth as practicable; Although unexpected, if turtle nesting occurs within the MOF upgrade construction footprint, the relocation of nests will be investigated in collaboration with EHP, SEWPaC, and GBRMPA; Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-520

25 Restrict night-time activities adjacent to Abbot Beach during the turtle nesting and Hatching season (October to March) where practicable; and Monitoring of turtle nesting and Hatching activity to detect impacts of lighting from the Project activities and inform adaptive management responses where impacts are identified. The implementation of these measures will ensure that the impacts of lighting on the terrestrial and marine habitats within and adjacent to the Project area are minimised. As recommended in the Abbot Point CIA Report (ELA and OpenLines 2012), Adani will develop and implement a monitoring programme for the marine turtles at Abbot Point in order to: Provide baseline data for Green and Flatback turtle nesting and hatchling behaviour on Abbot Beach relative to pre-construction artificial lighting conditions; and Determine whether an increase in artificial lighting as a result of the Project has an impact on Green and Flatback turtle hatchling behaviour. The monitoring programme will: Collect data to quantify turtle nesting on Abbot beach; - Including preferred nesting locations along the beach - The degree to which nesting turtles/hatchlings are disorientated/mis-orientated under the current lighting regime Conduct surveys within key breeding seasons (November to March); Perform surveys using methods consistent with previous marine fauna surveys in the area to allow for comparison of data set, as appropriate; and Conduct surveys within defined sampling locations and at appropriate control sites Conclusion The proposed Project is to be located adjacent to an existing and operational port, and within land designated as Strategic Port Land. Currently, marine and terrestrial species are using the areas adjacent to the existing Port, including turtles nesting on Abbot Beach, foraging and moving through the marine environment, and migratory birds using the Wetland. The Project will generate a small increase the artificial lighting in the area, resulting in light spill on 0.2 ha of the turtle nesting beach during construction of the MOF upgrade, and an increase in sky glow over Abbot Beach. The Project is not expected to cause any direct light spill onto Abbot Beach after the MOF upgrade is complete and no direct light spill onto the Wetland at any stage during construction or operation, therefore not impacting migratory birds. Adani will develop construction and operation EMPs, and use a range of management and mitigation measures during design, construction and operation to reduce lighting impacts at, and adjacent to, the site. Adani will also carry out monitoring of the turtle nesting locations and behaviours. It is anticipated that following mitigation and management measures, there will be very low light disturbance to the terrestrial and marine environments and fauna, and the impacts of this will also be within tolerable and manageable levels. Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-521

26 Commitments Adani will undertake a turtle nesting monitoring program. The program will be designed to ensure that any potential lighting impacts associated with the Project can be monitored and if required further mitigation measures can be developed. Terminal 0 Environmental Impact Statement 3-522