The proposed project is to relocate the existing Marble Grass Road parking space at 289.7SLK to approximately 289.1-288SLK as the existing parking is considered unsafe for road users due to its corner location. The current situation encourages road users to cut corners and adopt unsafe driving practices. The existing parking space is also unsealed and the layout of the site means that the area often accumulates litter.
The existing parking bay is really only suitable for northbound traffic towards Marble Bar. The proposal is to create two parking bays on either side of the road. staggered) further south from the corner where Marble Bar Road intersects Limestone-Marble Bar Road. The project takes place in the Shire of East Pilbara, near the town of Marble Bar.
Material for these works will be sourced from other existing Main Roads material extraction areas. This project is not likely to conflict with any of the DEC's ten Clearing Principles.
BACKGROUND
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
P ROJECT L OCATION
METHODOLOGY
- P RELIMINARY D ESKTOP S TUDY
- C OMMONWEALTH R EFERRAL
- S TATE R EFERRAL
- S ITE I NVESTIGATION
Native vegetation should not be cleared if the clearing of vegetation is likely to have an impact on the environmental values of any adjacent or nearby conservation areas. According to Keighery, (1994) the condition of the native vegetation to be cleared is described as very good. A search of the DIA database did not identify any known areas of Aboriginal heritage significance in the vicinity of the project site.
The DEC for wetlands has advised that there are no wetlands in the vicinity of the project area. A search of DEC's contaminated sites database indicates that there are no identified contaminated sites within the project area. National Heritage Sites A search of the Australian Heritage Sites Inventory database did not find any site(s) in the vicinity of the project.
A search of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Protected Matters Search Tool found no Ramsar wetland(s) in the vicinity of the project. A search by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Protected Matters Search Tool located 9 migratory species in the vicinity of the project.
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
D ESCRIPTION
The project area is located on Marble Bar Road (M030) approx. 1 km from the Limestone-Marble Bar Road exit in Marble Bar. The vegetation is considered to be in very good condition and has 100% pre-European extent remaining. There are no known DRF, priority flora/fauna species or threatened ecological species known to exist in the area.
No declared weed species were identified as occurring within the project area, but common weed species were present. Multiple searches did not identify any waterways dependent on the vegetation association in the area. No registered Aboriginal Heritage Sites of significance have been identified as occurring in the project area.
S ITE I NVESTIGATION
CLEARING OF NATIVE VEGETATION
A SSESSMENT AGAINST C LEARING P RINCIPLES
ASSESSMENT OF ASPECTS AND IMPACTS
Consultation with the Danish Agency for Agriculture and Food confirms that there are no registered plants in the project area. Not a problem as the project area receives less than 400mm average annual rainfall or is located above the 26˚ latitude. With the generally deteriorated and exposed nature of the work areas, no significant effects on the native fauna are expected in general as a result of the proposed works.
A search of the Inventory of Australian Heritage Sites, the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Shire of East Pilbara Municipal Heritage Inventory online databases has shown that there are no known site(s) of heritage significance in the vicinity of the project area. A search of the DoW database has confirmed that the proposed works will not disturb or disrupt any natural drainage and surface runoff patterns. There are no major sensitive receptors near the proposed works, but excess dust may affect vegetation.
East Pilbara Shire requirements must be met in relation to noise management and hours of construction work. Provided that traffic management and signage to main road standards are used, none of the proposed works pose any significant risk to public safety. The proposed works will serve to increase public safety by improving local road and pedestrian conditions.
Not relevant to the proposed works, the project does not require the use of hazardous substances. Contamination The works are within the road reserve and no known previous land use activities in or near the project area have had the potential to create contamination, e.g. As the proposed works are entirely within the existing road reserve, no changes to the planning scheme are required.
A search by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Search Tool for Protected Matters found no threatened ecological communities, 5 threatened species and 7 listed marine species in the vicinity of the project. The project activities are unlikely to have a significant impact on these species and the marine species are listed as It is unlikely that the project activities will have a significant impact on these species as the vegetation present is unlikely to be a habitat for these species.
DECISION TO REFER
R EFERRAL TO THE D EPARTMENT OF S USTAINABILITY , E NVIRONMENT , W ATER ,
R EFERRAL TO THE E NVIRONMENTAL P ROTECTION A UTHORITY
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
OTHER APPROVALS/PERMITS/LICENCES
The standard specifications of the major roads environmental contract (Specifications and 304) should be followed where appropriate. All projects must maintain the required records related to the clearing of native vegetation according to the purpose permit. All projects must maintain the required records related to the clearing of native vegetation according to the purpose permit.
All projects comply with requirements in the purpose permit in relation to .. submitting documentation to DEC and, where relevant, obtaining DEC approval of these documents prior to clearing native vegetation. Vegetation clearance Ensure that the overall objectives for the alignment and construction works are compatible with maintenance and, where possible, This vegetation must be used during any rehabilitation work and either mulched or re-scattered in accordance with the TDP/Revegetation Plan.
If clearing is under a Principal Purpose Permit (CPS818), ensure compliance with section 14 of the Permit relating to dieback, other pathogens and weed control. Surface drainage Maintain the hydrologic regime that exists prior to the construction of the proposal. Access to private property and appropriate traffic management measures must be planned and implemented prior to construction of the works.
Public pedestrian access must be planned and implemented prior to the construction of the works. Watering, using hydromulch or other forms of mulching to protect loose surfaces should be used as mitigating measures. The designated maintenance area shall be contained to contain spills or leaks and shall not be located in an area adjacent to drainage areas or watercourses or shall drain into a temporary pit.
All waste oil will be collected for recycling and any empty fuel/oil containers, used filters and waste hydraulic parts will be collected and stored in an allocated area and then removed to an approved site. The project areas, including hardstand areas, will be kept tidy at all times. Contractor Main Roads A water tanker/fire brigade unit will be on site at all times.
If revegetation and remediation is in accordance with a permit for the purpose (CPS 818/4), ensure compliance with Condition 13 (Vegetation Restoration and Remediation) and Condition 14 (Dieback, Control of Other Pathogens and Weeds) of the permit.
