Bega bypass - RTA

ISBN 978-1-921766-60-2
Bega bypass
Review of Environmental Factors
VOLUME 2 / SEPTEMBER 2010
RTA/Pub. 10.291
2

Roads and Traffic Authority
Bega Bypass
Review of Environmental Factors
September 2010

VOLUME 2 – Appendices
Appendix B – Consultation Material
Appendix C – Biodiversity Assessment
Appendix D – Noise and Vibration Assessment
Appendix E – Visual Impact Assessment
Appendix F – Greenhouse Assessment
Appendix G – Aboriginal Heritage Assessment
Appendix H – Socio-economic Assessment
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Bega Bypass
Review of Environmental Factors

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Appendix A
Environmental Checklists
Consideration of the Clause 228 factors under the EP&A Act
Matters of national environmental significance under the
EBPC Act
Bega Bypass
Review of Environmental Factors

Clause 228 Checklist
The following factors, listed in Clause 228(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation
2000, are required to be considered to assess the likely impacts of the proposal on the natural and built
environment.
Factor Impact
a. Any environmental impact on a community?
The proposal would result in short-term negative impacts to the local community as a
result of construction noise and traffic as discussed in sections 6.2 and 6.4. Potential
traffic impacts include an increase in the volume of heavy vehicles, changes in speed
limits and local traffic changes. Construction noise impacts would be managed by
adopting reasonable and feasible noise management measures identified in the
DECCW Interim Construction Noise Guideline in order to reduce noise levels as much
as possible during construction.
Long-term positive impacts would increase road safety, travel efficiencies and reduce
vehicle numbers within the main street of Bega. The proposal provides capacity for the
road to accommodate future traffic increases and provides better access particularly for
heavy vehicles, than is provided by the existing alignment.
b. Any transformation of a locality?
The proposal would result in substantially less traffic in the centre of Bega; through
traffic would be routed west of the town. This would increase amenity and safety in the
Bega CBD. The roundabout proposed at the northern end of the route would change
the character at the entrance of the town.
The traffic alterations may affect the level of tourism and trade within the town, as a
result of less passing traffic through Bega. However, amenity in the town centre would
be improved as a result of reduced vehicle numbers and trade may be enhanced.
Residences on the western edge of Bega, where the bypass would be located, would
be subject to increased visual, and noise impacts. No transformation of the locality is
anticipated as a result of the proposal.
c. Any environmental impact on the ecosystems of the locality?
The proposal would include the removal of approximately 12 hectares of nativedominated
pasture including 6.95 hectares of Lowland Grassy Woodlands endangered
ecological community. In the northern section, drainage lines feed into Freshwater
wetland endangered ecological communities. Mitigation measures require that natural
hydrological regimes are retained as much as possible and water quality risks (from
chemical spills or sediment) are managed. In the southern section, resources that would
be removed include mature hollow-bearing trees, which are a declining resource under
pressure from development in the locality. Loss of hollows would be mitigated by
installation of nest boxes..
The loss of this vegetation is not considered to result in significant impacts to any
threatened species (refer to section 6.1). Mitigation measures include noxious weed
control and revegetation of disturbed areas.
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Short-term
negative
Long-term
positive and
negative
Long-term
positive
Long-term
negative
Long-term minor
negative

Factor Impact
d. Any reduction of the aesthetic, recreational, scientific or other
environmental quality or value of a locality?
There would be a minor reduction in the aesthetic quality of the locality due to the
removal of vegetation and increase in road infrastructure on the western side of Bega in
an area that is currently undeveloped. Mitigation measures would be implemented to
reduce visual and noise impacts. Revegetation of disturbed soils would be undertaken
as part of the works program. The amenity of the Bega CBD and the existing highway,
would be improved after the bypass is in operation, as a result of less traffic, enhanced
safety and reduced noise in these areas.
e. Any effect on a locality, place or building having aesthetic,
anthropological, archaeological, architectural, cultural, historical, scientific or
social significance or other special value for present or future generations?
The proposal would destroy Aboriginal artefacts within the soil profile in the proposal
footprint. The archaeological deposit is assessed to be of low scientific significance and
does not surpass significance thresholds which would act to preclude impacts. A
Section 90 consents has been be obtained for the Aboriginal heritage items. Refer to
sections 6.7.1 and 6.9 for heritage impact assessments.
The view to the Bega River and associated wetlands was considered of potential
significance. Measures to retain the drainage line hydrology feeding natural lagoons are
proposed however, substantial cut and fill works would affect the ridgelines overlooking
the wetlands. Visual amenity impact mitigation and rehabilitation measures to restore
disturbed areas are part of the proposal.
There are no identified non-Aboriginal heritage items located within the proposal
footprint. Most of the adjacent residences are of modern construction. Any buildings in
the area of any potential heritage significance would not be impacted by the proposal.
f. Any impact on the habitat of protected fauna (within the meaning of the
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974)?
Native fauna would be impacted through removal of habitat including six hollow-bearing
trees. If hollow bearing trees are not able to be retained then nest boxes would be
installed in remaining trees to mitigate the loss of hollows. The site is already
fragmented for all but highly mobile fauna such as bats and birds. Further fragmentation
of habitat as a result of vegetation removal is unlikely to have a significant impact to
local fauna. Refer to section 6.1 for an assessment of impacts to fauna habitat.
g. Any endangering of any species of animal, plant or other form of life,
whether living on land, in water or in the air?
The proposal would remove habitat for a number of species. Assessments of
Significance have been undertaken for a number of threatened species known to be
present in the locality (refer to section 6.1).
These assessments found that there would be no significant impact to any of these
species and therefore the species would not be endangered as a result of the works
(refer to Appendix C). No Assessments of Significance were considered to be
warranted for threatened flora species.
Impacts to non-listed native fauna have been assessed. It is considered unlikely that
high rates of roadside fatality would occur for wombats, or other fauna such as
kangaroos and wallabies.
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Long-term minor
negative
Long-term minor
negative
Long-term
negative
Nil

Factor Impact
h. Any long-term effects on the environment?
The proposal would have a positive long-term impact through improved reduced vehicle
numbers through the Bega CBD and the capacity for the road to better accommodate
heavy vehicles as well as increased vehicle numbers. It would have a positive long-term
impact on road safety by reducing the number of traffic movements and directing
through traffic away from the centre of Bega. It would thereby improve the amenity of
the centre of Bega, for businesses, residents and tourists alike.
Long-term negative impacts include an increase in the amount of road infrastructure in
Bega in what is now pasture overlooking the Bega River and natural lagoons. The
proposal would also impact on biodiversity through the removal of approximately 12
hectares of native-dominated pasture and clearing of Lowland Grassy Woodland
endangered ecological community. Six hollow-bearing trees would be removed however
hollows lost would be mitigated by installation of nest boxes..
i. Any degradation of the quality of the environment?
The proposal would remove approximately 12 hectares of native-dominated pasture
and six hollow-bearing trees. The site would be rehabilitated post-construction which
would reduce the risk of long-term degradation to the environment. Mitigation measures
would be implemented to control and prevent spread of noxious weeds during
construction.
Water quality could be reduced as a result of pollutants such as sediment, soil nutrients
and waste entering drainage lines, particularly during high rain events. Spillage of fuel
during refuelling and leakage of hydraulic and lubricating oil from plant and equipment
or rinse water from plant washing and concrete slurries would also have the potential to
enter drainage lines. Mitigation measures would be implemented to reduce impacts to
water quality. Theses are provided in section 6.10.3.
Air quality and noise impacts would be associated with the construction phase. Noise
attenuation forms part of the proposal for dwellings which would be adversely affected
by noise from the operational bypass.
j. Any risk to the safety of the environment?
There is potential for traffic safety to be reduced during construction however as the
bypass has only two major tie in points with the existing Princes Highway alignment,
these are considered manageable. Traffic management measures include the
development of a Traffic Management Plan to address safety risks.
The proposal would increase the long-term safety of the road by reducing the number of
turning movements, separating through traffic and thereby reducing overall vehicle
numbers in the centre of Bega.
k. Any reduction in the range of beneficial uses of the environment?
There would be a minor impact on agricultural and residential land uses in the road
corridor, however the majority of this land has been vacant for some time. The plans to
develop this bypass are well known and have been well communicated to the
community.
l. Any pollution of the environment?
The proposal would result in minor short term air pollution from plant and machinery
required for construction and potential dust generation. Air quality could be reduced in
the long term from current conditions on the western edge of the town, which is
currently undeveloped agricultural land.
There is a potential for chemical and fuels spills to occur during construction which
includes pollution events at waterways. The risk of spills would be managed through the
implementation of a spill management plan to include the use of spill kits, worker
training and erosion and sediment controls.
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Long-term
positive and
negative
Short term
negative,
Long term nil
Potential shortterm
negative
Long-term
Positive
Long-term minor
negative
Short-term and
long-term minor
negative

Factor Impact
m. Any environmental problems associated with the disposal of waste?
It is not anticipated that there would be any contaminated waste as a result of the
proposal. Other waste streams generated during construction are common and would
pose no difficulty in their disposal. Waste would be recycled wherever possible. This
includes the reuse of excess cut material.
n. Any increased demands on resources (natural or otherwise) that are, or
are likely to become, in short supply?
All resources required for the proposal are readily available and are not in short supply.
o. Any cumulative environmental effect with other existing or likely future
activities?
Traffic efficiencies and the increased safety for motorists on the new bypass and within
the town centre, where traffic pressure would be decreased, constitute long-term
cumulative benefits of the proposal. The proposal is also part of a series of upgrades to
the Princes Highway to improve safety on the NSW road network.
Local developments proposed include Bega civic space and retail development in the
centre of Bega, two blocks east of the proposed bypass route, as well as residential and
industrial developments proposed at the southern section of the route.
Should construction timetables overlap, there would be cumulative noise, visual, air
quality and traffic/access impacts for the community in these areas. Particularly relevant
to the southern section, increased development places increasing pressure on remnant
vegetation which provides important resources (water sources, hollows) for the wide
ranging fauna able to utilise these fragmented landscapes. Mitigation measures have
been provided throughout this REF to minimise any potential impacts of the proposal.
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Nil
Nil
Long-term
negative and
positive

Matters of National Environmental Significance
Under the environmental assessment provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999, the following Matters of National Environmental Significance are required to be
considered to assist in determining whether the proposal should be referred to the Australian
Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Factor Impact
a. Any impact on a World Heritage property?
The proposal would not have any impact on a World Heritage property. There are
no World Heritage properties within 10 kilometres of the proposal site.
b. Any impact on a National Heritage place?
The proposal would not have any impact on a National Heritage place. There are
no National Heritage places within 10 kilometres of the proposal site.
c. Any impact on a wetland of international importance?
The proposal would not have any impact on a wetland of international importance.
There are no wetlands of international importance within 10 kilometres of the
proposal site.
d. Any impact on a listed threatened species or communities?
There is some potential for impact to green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea),
should a population occur in the study area. Potential effects include habitat
degradation of wetlands downstream from the proposal. An EPBC Assessment of
Significance was undertaken in respect of the green and golden bell frog (refer
Appendix C). Given the low potential for a population of green and gold bell frog to
occur in the vicinity of the proposal site, and the mitigation measures to minimise
degradation processes (such as storm water and sedimentation control – refer to
section 6.10.3 of this report) that could impact marginal habitat of this species, it
was considered unlikely that the proposal would have a substantial impact on the
species.
e. Any impacts on listed migratory species?
There is potential for impact to great egrets (Ardea alba), which utilise the wetlands
downslope of the proposal. Degradation of habitat could occur from the effects on
water quality, erosion and sedimentation as well as hydrological changes, during
construction and operation of the proposal. The works may also exacerbate
existing weed infestations. Standard impact mitigation measures would reduce
effects to great egret, including weed control and erosion and sediment controls
(refer to section 6.1.4 of this report). An EPBC Assessment of Significance was
undertaken in respect of the great egret (refer Appendix C), which concluded the
proposal was unlikely to have a substantial impact on this species.
f. Any impact on a Commonwealth marine area?
The proposal would not have any impact on a Commonwealth marine area. No
Commonwealth marine areas occur within or within 10 kilometres of the proposal
site.
g. Does the proposal involve a nuclear action (including uranium
mining)?
The proposal does not involve a nuclear action.
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Nil
Nil
Nil
Negligible
Negligible
Nil
Nil

Factor Impact
h. Additionally, any impact (direct or indirect) on Commonwealth land?
There are two areas of Commonwealth land within 10 kilometres of the proposal
site, however neither occur within the proposal site. The proposal would therefore
not directly impact Commonwealth land, and is unlikely to indirectly impact
Commonwealth land.
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Nil

GHD
133 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW 2000
-
T: 2 9239 7100 F: 2 9239 7199 E: sydmail@ghd.com.au
© GHD 2010
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.
Document Status
Rev
No.
Author
21/18937/157350
B James
A Webb
Reviewer Approved for Issue
Name Signature Name Signature Date
K Smallwood
B Marshall
Bega Bypass
Review of Environmental Factors
M Roser
15.09.10