Table of Contents

List of Figures ................................................................................................................... ii List of Tables .................................................................................................................... ii Appendices ...................................................................................................................... ii 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Environmental Policy .......................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Environmental Legislation ................................................................................................... 2

2 Air Quality ..................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Population Increase ............................................................................................................ 3 2.2 Dust Control ....................................................................................................................... 3

3 Soil Quality .................................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Erosion ............................................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Harmful Spills ..................................................................................................................... 4 3.3 Disturbance to site.............................................................................................................. 4

4 Water Quality and Waterways ....................................................................................... 6

4.1 Increase of stormwater runoff ............................................................................................ 6 4.2 Waste and litter .................................................................................................................. 6

5 Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................................. 7

5.1 Flora................................................................................................................................... 7 5.2 Site Features....................................................................................................................... 8 5.1 Removal and Disruption...................................................................................................... 9 5.2 Waste and Litter ................................................................................................................. 9

6 Social and Heritage ...................................................................................................... 10

6.1 Visual Amenity ................................................................................................................. 10 6.2 Preservation of Significant Trees ....................................................................................... 10 6.3 Aboriginal and Heritage Sites ............................................................................................ 10

7 Noise ........................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Machinery and equipment usage ...................................................................................... 11 7.2 Increased population ........................................................................................................ 11

8 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 12

List of Figures
Figure 1: Location of The Mawson Green development site ................................................ 1 Figure 2: Existing conditions within the Mawson Green development ............................. 8

List of Tables
Table 1: Native flora within Mason Green ........................................................................ 7 Table 2: Weed species located in Mawson Green ............................................................. 7

Appendices
Appendix 1: Mawson Green EIA ..................................................................................... 15

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1 Introduction
The Mawson Green development located in the Meadows Township comprises the planning and construction of 205 new residential allotments, a new water supply system and a sustainable sewerage system. While increasing the population considerably in the Meadows Township it will allow the current residents a more effective and sustainable water supply and effluent treatment system.

Figure 1: Location of The Mawson Green development site

The township of Meadows is subject to several environmental risks and therefore it is essential to implement strategies that will minimise environmental impacts on the subject land and on surrounding areas. The Environment Protection Act 1992 (Environmental Protection Authority 2010a) states A person must not undertake an activity that pollutes, or might pollute, the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting environmental harm.. Hexa Trade Engineering Consultants (Hexa TEC) have prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which explores all possible environmental impacts that may occur during and after the Mawson Green development.

The following environmental categories are the key areas of investigation for this Environmental Impact Statement and are as follows: Flora and Fauna Heritage Air Quality Soil Quality Noise Water Quality

A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can be found in the appendix of this document, assessing the potential environmental impacts and their possible consequences. The potential risk of environmental impacts has been rated into High, Medium or Low categories and potential consequences are explained. The main purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement is to highlight possible environmental impacts, their consequences and mitigation strategies to prevent them. This statement has been prepared giving consideration to all stakeholders and will bring their attention to any environmental issues which may arise as a result of the development.

1.1 Environmental Policy

Hexa TEC seeks to address all potential environmental concerns and ensure minimal impact to the natural environment. Hexa TEC comply with all relevant legislation to produce environmental management plans and are committed to best industry practices in environmental risk and impact areas, allowing for maximised and effective results. Detailed Environmental Impact Assessments are completed on all projects that are undertaken; all staff are highly skilled on environmental management matters and environmental legislation is closely adhered to, to ensure minimal negative effects on the environment.

1.2 Environmental Legislation

The following legislation has been considered throughout the Environmental Impact Statement, to ensure no breach to any environmental laws and policies have been made. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, (Commonwealth) Native Vegetation Act 1991, SA National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, SA Natural Resources Management Act 2004, SA Development Act 1993, SA

Hexa TEC is committed to implementing these for the life of project and beyond.

2 Air Quality
Air pollution caused by works undertaken on the Mawson Green development can have serious implications to human health, flora and fauna. It is particularly important to consider air pollution in an area such as Meadows where there is an existing community present. Poor air quality can increase the risk of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Minimal air pollution can be achieved by closely adhering to environmental regulations to ensure dust pollution is kept to a minimum and that a green approach to residential emissions after construction is undertaken.

2.1 Population Increase

The new Mawson Green residential development will cause a considerable increase in population to the Meadows Township. This increase in population will cause increased levels in household emissions and traffic pollution. More traffic in the area will result in more greenhouse gases to be emitted by vehicles. The emission of greenhouse gases from households due to gas and electricity consumption will also increase in the area. Mitigation Measures An increase in polluted emissions due to traffic and residential growth is hard to control as it can sometimes be an expensive procedure to invest in the most green option. It is important that all current and future residents to Meadows are well informed of environmentally friendly practices in particular green energy (solar) as a way of creating the healthiest possible environment and air.

2.2 Dust Control

The control of dust production during the construction phase is vital. This is particularly important during initial stages, where a large volume of earth needs to be removed to prepare the development. If not managed properly an unsafe work environment will be created, causing potential harm to workers. When left uncovered and exposed, dust can be transported via wind action, decreasing visibility. Dust also has the potential to damage property, disturb the visibility to motorists and also cause respiratory problems to workers and residents. Mitigation Measures Dust control can be managed in several different ways. Water trucks should be used to ensure that potential hazardous dust is kept on the ground and prevented from being blown into the air. Water trucks dampen the soil; therefore if it is a dry and windy day the amount of dust spreading into the air can be minimised. Minimising the amount of vehicles that drive through the construction site and keeping speed limits to a minimum will also help lower the amount of dust production. It is important that dust levels are being constantly addressed.

3 Soil Quality
There are several soil quality issues that must be considered at the Mawson Green development. Soil quality in the natural environment has great importance as it supports the growth of flora. It will be frequently handled with during construction and if not healthy it can lead to the contamination of groundwater. Spills during construction ultimately causing contamination, relocation of soil and erosion are all factors that must be controlled during construction to ensure the quality of on-site soil is maintained and improved.

3.1 Erosion
During and after construction it is imminent that an increase of storm water run-off will occur. Once the construction of houses begins and is completed, a larger impervious area within Mawson Green will be created. Hence, more rainwater will be captured in gutters and on roofs and essentially end upon the roads. If not managed properly, this run-off can end up flooding the natural water paths, ultimately eroding the soil. If not considered, all of the extra runoff will end up in the nearby waterways and this may lead to an overflow and blockages. Mitigation Measures Suitable catchment areas of large volume to match the volume of the increased stormwater runoff will be constructed within the development site. The plantation of appropriate flora is required on steep sections of the site to ensure the stabilisation of slopes and ultimately to decrease stormwater runoff. It is also vital that the rehabilitation of natural watercourses is undertaken to provide a large free flowing catchment for the runoff.

3.2 Harmful Spills

During the construction phase it is possible that harmful spills will occur, which can cause soil contamination. Spills may occur due to machinery, vehicles, refuelling of machinery and vehicles and chemical storage on site. Contamination of soil and groundwater can occur as a consequence of this causing watercourses to be contaminated, potentially harming flora and fauna. Mitigation Measures Inspection and maintenance of machinery, vehicles and other site equipment must be frequently conducted to ensure the likelihood of harmful spills is kept to a minimum. Regular inspection will also alert workers of any harmful spillages and this will ensure immediate removal and cleaning. Replacing any vegetation that is subject to a harmful spill will ensure that further contamination through soil and groundwater will not occur.

3.3 Disturbance to site

Construction will cause the deformation of the natural landform. However, it is important that all landform deformation is undertaken within design requirements to ensure that the developer, stakeholders and the community are content.

Mitigation Measures Design requirements and standards must be adhered to at all times. If any unforeseen problems arise it must be discussed with the developer and council before any further construction or a deformation of land occurs.

4 Water Quality and Waterways

The consideration of water and its quality is important as it can have a large negative effect on the natural environment if it is not managed properly. The Mawson Green project will cause an increase in stormwater runoff and it is predicted that the existing watercourses will not be able accommodate the increase in water volume. Therefore, it is essential that the existing natural watercourses be rehabilitated to provide a suitable way of coping with an increase in water runoff, combined with a successful stormwater management plan. It is also necessary to control waste and litter during and after construction to ensure that runoff does not become contaminated, thereby causing contamination of the natural watercourses water and ultimately harming flora and fauna.

4.1 Increase of stormwater runoff

During and after construction it is imminent that an increase of storm water run-off will occur. Once the construction of houses begins, more rain water will be captured in gutters and on roofs and essentially end up on the road. If this excess run-off is not managed properly this can end up in the natural watercourse, eroding soil and causing possible flooding. If not considered all of the extra runoff will end up in the nearby waterways and this may lead to an overflow and blockages. Mitigation Measures The stormwater design must incorporate necessary catchment facilities that can accommodate the increased volume of the runoff. It is ideal that these catchments are within close proximity of the site. Natural watercourses must be efficiently rehabilitated to cope with the stormwater increase and ensure that a flood drainage strategy and design is undertaken. A flood drainage strategy and design will give residents and the local council peace of mind in the case of severe rainfall.

4.2 Waste and litter

Waste and litter can potentially cause great harm to flora, fauna and the natural environment during and after construction if not disposed of in a correct manner. During the construction phase, building materials and waste will be constantly transported. Wind action can cause these materials to move and integrate into watercourses. The increase in population will also cause a waste and litter issue, in that residents and motorists may dispose of litter and waste into the environment. Mitigation Measures All waste and litter products generated during the construction phase must be removed or securely held down and stored away, ensuring it cannot be transported by wind or accessed by fauna. Instillation of bins around the development is also essential to provide residents and other members of society a place to dispose of litter and waste. Regular maintenance and cleaning of watercourses during and at project completion shall also be undertaken.

5 Flora and Fauna

There is a very high probability that flora upon the project site will be affected, this is largely due to the fact that almost all native vegetation upon the site will be removed to accommodate housing, roads, pavement and open space design. However most vegetation upon the development site is foreign and can be classified as a weed species. The tables below outline the various species of flora present in the area. Table 1 indicates the present natural flora species on site that will be affected.

5.1 Flora
Common Name River Red Gum Desert Ash Tree Quinces Briar Rose Manna Gum Type Planted Planted Planted Planted Planted Location Near Mawson Road Western creek banks Empty effluent ponds Empty effluent ponds Eastern Creek

Table 1 - Native flora within Mason Green

Table Two highlights the weed species that will be removed from the site in accordance with the Native Vegetation Act 1991.

Common Name Ash Tree Quince Dog Rose Artichoke Thistle Arum Lily Ivy Pampas Grass Blackberry Bushes

Type Planted Planted Planted Planted Planted Planted Planted Planted 7

Location Downstream end Near dairy Near dairy Near dairy ponds One in willow section Present in willow section One in willow section Near dump, along western creek

Grasses Willow Gorse

Planted Planted Planted

Pasture Dense in willow section Patches in areas across site

Table 2 - Weed species located in Mawson Green Due to the classification of the project site as a residential development it has already been cleared of any association with local fauna species. Hence, the impact of this has not been stated within the EIA. However, fauna species adjacent to the site may still access it during and after the construction phases; therefore these impacts have been assessed. Consideration is given to the native birdlife that inhabits the trees on-site, most of which will remain, in accordance with the design plan.

5.2 Site Features

The location of much of the flora and fauna, as well as important site features have been noted and marked on the development site plan in Figure 2 below. This will provide a framework for managing the sites environmental impact throughout the construction phase.

Figure 2 - Existing conditions within the Mawson Green development

5.1 Removal and Disruption

As mentioned unavoidable damage and removal to the natural flora is necessary in order for the development to occur. According to the conceptual designs 5ha?? will be cleared. However BLAH amount of open space will be provided within the design plan, allowing a certain amount of native vegetation to remain. Due to the lack of fauna upon the development site no major impact of fauna life or habitat will occur, however fauna adjacent to the area will most likely be disturbed during the construction period due to increased noise and lighting. Mitigation Measures The installation of open green spaces will allow a certain percentage of native vegetation to remain, which is also an important feature of keeping the natural watercourses stable. A small wetland area would also be a feasible option in incorporating this measure. Also, during each of the proposed construction phases the working corridors that are used should be kept as minimal in size as possible to avoid further damage or disruption to the site. The hours in which work is completed should also allow consideration for disrupting native fauna.

5.2 Waste and Litter

The potential of waste to accumulate on the development site is very high and almost certain both during and after the construction period. Building material waste will amass whilst construction occurs. Afterwards, the residents within the development will accrue large amounts of household and general waste. All of this waste has the potential to injure or destroy existing flora or fauna within the area by pollution, trapping or through consumption. This will be an ongoing issue, especially as the Mawson Green population increases over time. Mitigation Measures During the construction phase the safe and fast removal of all on site building material waste is recommended. All materials should also be secured down properly throughout the construction phase to prevent their movement via wind action or from fauna access. Regular manual cleaning along the development site and perimeter shall also ensure that a tidy work site is kept.

6 Social and Heritage

When designing a large development it is important to consider the location of the proposed site and whether it will affect any important aboriginal or heritage sites. If the site is found to be located within one of these important areas then certain precautions must be taken. According to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 sites require an s23 application to be completed and submitted.

6.1 Visual Amenity

The new residents within this area are all building homes from scratch. However, the external design of these homes must slightly be controlled to keep the visual appeal of a country town. Mitigation Measures To ensure that the township of Meadows keeps its country visual aesthetic, the developers must create a set of guidelines for all residents to adhere to. These conditions will be listed within each residents housing contract and will also correspond with local council planning regulations.

6.2 Preservation of Significant Trees

As stated within the flora and fauna section, there are numerous trees of significance upon the development site that must be accounted for. These trees will be incorporated into the parklands/picnic areas and natural watercourses where possible. Mitigation Measures By incorporating the location of these trees into the open space development plans they can be preserved. This will also prevent damage to the trees within the construction phase.

6.3 Aboriginal and Heritage Sites

There are no aboriginal sites located upon the Mawson Green development that will hinder the construction process. Similarly the site also does not upset any heritage sites of note. Therefore no mitigation is required.

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7 Noise
Noise production during the construction phase of any development is a concerning factor, as it normally cannot be prevented. The two major factors of noise are its duration and volume. This noise pollution is not only caused by construction equipment and machinery, but also increased human noise and traffic within the area and disrupted site fauna can create excess noise. A rise in noise pollution will also occur after construction is completed due to the arrival of the Mawson Green residents.

7.1 Machinery and equipment usage

During the construction phase many vehicles will need to access the Mawson Green development site. This noise along with the noise created from the machinery and equipment being used has the potential to disrupt existing local residents and fauna. Mitigation Measures All existing local residents in Meadows shall be informed of the construction dates and times in a reasonable manner. Also, to prevent excess noise during construction the hours in which work is undertaken shall be done within reasonable time frames, preferably daytime hours. Noise and vibrations shall also be minimised by decreasing the usage of noisy equipment in sensitive areas.

7.2 Increased population

With a doubling in population Meadows will experience a doubling in residential, traffic and human noise. This cannot be prevented, but a successful development design can allow noise to be mitigated accordingly. Mitigation Measures Traffic planning requirements such as the introduction of traffic calming devices i.e. reducing speeds near roundabouts, speed humps and residential properties shall be implemented into the development site and adhered to before and after construction.

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8 Conclusion
Hexa TEC ensures that from the EIS provided all environmental issues of importance that may occur during and after the construction of the Mawson Green development in Meadows, have been addressed and mitigated accordingly with direct and sustainable solutions. Most major issues relate to the fact that the Mawson Green development is becoming a large impervious area, which will generate increased amounts of stormwater runoff. This will directly affect the natural watercourses if it not taken into account. Therefore all development stakeholders must certify that sufficient stormwater removal and storage procedures will be followed. Also, this residential development will increase the current Meadows population by over half. Therefore increased household emissions, traffic and noise pollution must be dealt with in an appropriate fashion by incorporating modern planning designs, along with clear communication with the existing residents to ensure that the township retains it country appeal. Hexa TEC has suggested numerous possibilities in which all of these problems can be mitigated and dealt with properly to ensure that the Mawson Green development is successful.

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