Bega bypass - RTA

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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. 21/18937/157350 Bega Bypass Review of Environmental Factors 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. 21/18937/157350 Bega Bypass Review of Environmental Factors 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
Page 1: ISBN 978-1-921766-60-2 Bega bypass
Page 5 and 6: VOLUME 2 - Appendices Appendix B -
Page 7: Clause 228 Checklist The following
Page 11 and 12: Matters of National Environmental S
Page 13: GHD 133 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW 2

Bega bypass - RTA

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