It should be noted that some of these SLKs may still change depending on the availability of funding for the project. In accordance with Main Roads corporate environmental assessment and approval process, a Low Impact Environmental Screening Checklist was completed for the project. As identified by the checklist (see Appendix B), clearing of native vegetation outside the road's current maintenance zone will be required for the project.
A Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is therefore required for the project and this report aims to fulfill this requirement. Importantly, clearing will only be required for material resources for the project due to the fact that any clearing for the current paving, sealing and resealing works will be limited to the existing road maintenance area (defined as the area which was previously cleared in existing transport corridor during the last 10 years for maintenance purposes). As a result, any changes to the proposed SLKs for the project are not considered to be an issue for cleanup works.
It is proposed that materials will be sourced from pre-existing wells approximately SLKs 711, 719 and 731.6. The project is located in the Shire of Meekatharra, approximately 80 km east of the town of Meekatharra itself.
P RELIMINARY D ESKTOP S TUDY
Australian database (http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/) or the local Shire's Municipal Heritage Inventory. A search of the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) database. http://www.dia.wa.gov.au/Heritage--Culture/Heritage-management/Register-of-Aboriginal-sites/) was undertaken to determine whether the project area contains Aboriginal Heritage sites. The location of wetlands within the project area was determined by DEC's Geographic Data Atlas mapping tool (http://maps.dec.wa.gov.au/idelve/doedaext/) and/or DEC's Wetland Base (http://www. dec.wa.gov.au/management-and-.protection/wetlands/wetland-base/view-wetlandbase-online.html).
The Department of Water (DoW) geographic data atlas was examined. http://portal.water.wa.gov.au/portal/page/portal/MapsDataAtlases/GeographicDataAtlas) to determine if the project area contains significant lakes, rivers, wetlands or recognized areas (including public drinking water source areas). The presence of contaminated sites in the project area was determined by examining the DEC database of contaminated sites where appropriate (http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/pollution-.prevention/contaminated-sites/contaminated-sites- act/database .html), and evaluating the history of the surrounding land use. The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) acid sulphate soil maps were examined where appropriate (http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au/Publications/213.aspx) to determine the level of risk to which the project area is exposed.
Where relevant, consultations have been held with the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) to determine if there are known populations of indicated plants or significant weeds in or adjacent to the project area. Dieback was only considered a potential problem for the project if both the area's average annual rainfall is >400mm and if the project area is below latitude 26.
S TATUTORY R EFERRAL D ECISIONS
S ITE I NVESTIGATION
Given the extensive bushland areas that remain close to the project area and the mobile nature of the species in question, no significant impacts on the native fauna and/or its habitat are expected. The project area vegetation associations (see Table 3) are not currently considered under-represented (defined as <30% of remaining pre-European size) at any of the four regional scales (State, IBRA Region, IBRA Sub-Region and Shire) . Furthermore, no TECs, DRF, PF or nationally (DEWHA) protected species (see Appendix C) were identified in the project area during the site visit.
Degradation is not considered to be a potential problem for the project as the project area receives less than 400 mm of average annual rainfall. Wetlands Various searches of government databases have not revealed wetlands in the immediate vicinity of the project area. Groundwater No significant changes are expected in the current groundwater level or quality, as the water requirements for the project are estimated to be minimal.
A water source for the project has not yet been identified, and it is therefore uncertain whether a groundwater extraction permit will be required. The contaminated sites database did not reveal any known sites in the immediate vicinity of the project areas.
A VOIDING , M INIMISING AND R EDUCING THE I MPACT OF C LEARING
Assessment Given the relatively small scale of the cleanup (in relation to the intact surrounding environment) and the proposed remedial measures, it is highly unlikely that the cleanup would result in significant soil degradation. Principle (h) Native vegetation shall not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to affect the environmental values of any adjacent or nearby conservation area. The area cannot be considered important as a "springboard" for indigenous fauna, as the connectivity between the remaining vegetation in the surrounding area is almost unimpeded.
A conservation area is proposed near the material pit at SLK 711, but any impacts to this area are likely to be minimal. Principle (i) Native vegetation should not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to result in deterioration of surface or groundwater quality. Assessment Given the relatively small nature of the works, no significant changes in the area's hydrology are expected.
Principle (j) Native vegetation shall not be cleared if the clearing of the vegetation is likely to cause or exacerbate the occurrence of flooding. Therefore, clearing is unlikely to cause or increase the incidence of flooding in the area.
P ROJECT S PECIFIC R EQUIREMENTS R ELATING TO CPS 818/4
The main purpose of this EMP is to provide a management plan to help minimize the environmental impacts of the activities associated with the proposed works, and to identify who is responsible for implementing any subsequent management strategies. Given the small scale of the project, the low significance of its impacts on the surrounding environment and the proposed environmental management measures, the project does not require referral to the EPA. DoW geographic data atlas that does not show Public Drinking Water Source Areas in the vicinity of the project area.
Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on the data supporting this report are found in the disclaimer at the end of the report. This part of the report summarizes issues of national environmental importance that may occur or may be related to the area you have nominated. Further information is available in the detailed section of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below.
This section of the report summarizes other matters protected by law that may relate to the area you have named. As the heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth heritage values of a Commonwealth heritage place and the heritage values of a place on the National Estates Register. This part of the report contains information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.
The information presented in this report was obtained from various data sources as indicated at the end of the report. Only selected species subject to the migratory and marine provisions of the Act were mapped. For project areas located within the pasture/pasture region north of the agricultural area as described in position statement no. 2 environmental protection authorities.
All vegetation will be cleared from the work area and non-weed infested vegetation will be stored. Overburden and then topsoil will be uniformly and evenly distributed over the disturbed areas of the pit. The entire existing pit floor, including drain lines, will be ripped to a depth of 300-500 mm with rip lines between 500-800 mm (if the material in the pit can be ripped).
The establishment period of the vegetation is at least twelve months after the completion of the works. All construction personnel must be informed of the environmental aspects associated with the project before any work is carried out. Ensuring that the overall objectives of the works are compatible with preserving the biological integrity of the environment and minimizing vegetation loss and levels of degradation.
Ensure that the mitigation status of the project area does not change as a result of the works; and, ensure that the risk of spreading or establishing weeds is minimized as far as practicable.
