Gas Collection Header Environmental Management Plan - QGC

Environmental Management Plan 

Gas Collection Header Pipeline 

QCLNG- BG00-ENV-PLN-000002 

Rev 3 

December 2011 

Uncontrolled when printed 

QCLNG PROJECT



Revision 3 – December 2011 


DOCUMENT INFORMATION SHEET 

TITLE: QCLNG Gas Collection Header Environmental Management Plan 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: 

The purpose of this document is to describe the environmental values and factors that may be impacted on by 

the development of the QCLNG Project’s Gas Collection Header that will transmit gas from the QCLNG Central 

Processing Plants to the Export Pipeline. 

It applies to all staff, contractors and sub-contractors involved in the design, construction and operation of this 

pipeline, as described in this EMP. 

Revision Record 

Issue Date Reason for Issue Responsible Accountable 

1 19 th May 2010 

For supporting information to the EA 

application for the Gas Collection Header 

P. Jacob M. Harris 

2 16 th May 2011 Revised with SEWPC comments B. French A. Wharton 

3 

15 th December 

2011 

Revised in line with SEWPC RFI (File Ref 

2011/00941) 

B. French J. MacDermott 

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Table of Contents 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 5 

1.1 The QCLNG Project 5 

1.2 Scope Of The Environmental Management Plan 6 

1.3 Company Structure 6 

1.4 Overview of QGC’s Environmental Management Policy 6 

1.5 QGC Environmental Management Structure and Responsibilities 8 

1.6 BG and QGC’s compliance record 11 

1.7 Overview of Legislation 11 

1.8 The Pipeline Licence Application for the Gas Collection Header 11 

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PETROLEUM TENURES / PETROLEUM AUTHORITIES 11 

2.1 Description of Area 16 

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES 17 

3.1 Gas Collection Header Pipeline Specifications 17 

3.2 Design Parameters 17 

3.3 Cathodic Protection 19 

3.4 Corridor Widths and Access 20 

3.5 Design Criteria for Temporary or Permanent Access Crossings 23 

3.6 Watercourse Crossings 23 

3.7 Timeframe And Staging 24 

3.8 Environmentally Relevant Activities 25 

3.9 Notifiable Activities 25 

4.0 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE 25 

5.0 STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 28 

5.1 Environmental Factors 28 

5.2 Environmental Objectives And Performance Criteria 29 

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS 33 

6.1 Noise And Vibration 33 

6.2 Air Quality and Dust 35 

6.3 Climate Extremes And Climate Change 38 

6.4 Visual Amenity And Lighting 39 

6.5 Flora And Fauna 40 

6.6 Weeds And Pests 49 

6.7 Stock Access And Control 51 

6.8 Surface Water And Groundwater 53 

6.9 Topography 57 

6.10 Soil Erosion And Sediment Control 58 

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6.11 Soil Contamination 61 

6.12 Community 63 

6.13 Heritage 66 

6.14 Landscape And Character Maintenance 67 

6.15 Fire Management 69 

6.16 Dangerous Goods 70 

6.17 Traffic And Transport 71 

6.18 Waste Management 73 

6.19 Effluent Disposal 77 

6.20 Rehabilitation 78 

6.21 Decommissioning 82 

6.22 Incidents And Complaints 83 

6.23 Environmental Induction And Training 85 

6.24 Emergency Response For Environmental Incidents 85 

7.0 STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK PROCEDURES 87 

8.0 INSPECTION AND AUDITING PROGRAM 87 

9.0 RECORD KEEPING 88 

10.0 MANAGEMENT REVIEW AND REPORTING 88 

11.0 GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC REPORTING 88 

12.0 CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT 89 

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 

This document is an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Level 1 petroleum activities, prepared in 

accordance with the obligations in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), in support of a point 

to point Petroleum Pipeline Licence (PPL) Application made under the Petroleum and Gas (Production 

and Safety) Act 2004 (P&G Act) and covering construction and operation of the proposed Gas Collection 

Header Pipeline for the QGC Queensland Curtis Liquefied Natural Gas (QCLNG) Project. The PPL 

application is PPL153. 

This EMP aims to ensure all environmental requirements for the construction of the QCLNG gas 

collection header pipeline are outlined in a clear and concise manner to ensure that compliance can be 

achieved. Environmental mitigation measures in this EMP have been established based on legislative 

requirements and on the environmental impact assessment undertaken for the QCLNG Project. 

This EMP is a living document that will be progressively updated, with additional technical and 

engineering design information to be added when available. 

1.1 The QCLNG Project 

QGC Limited (QGC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BG Group plc, proposes to develop a world-scale, 

integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Queensland, known as the Queensland Curtis LNG 

(QCLNG) Project. 

The QCLNG Project involves expanding QGC’s existing coal seam gas (CSG) operations in the Surat 

Basin of southern Queensland and transporting the gas via an underground pipeline to a gas liquefaction 

and export facility on Curtis Island, near Gladstone, where the gas will be converted to liquefied natural 

gas (LNG) for export to markets in the Asia Pacific region and around the world. 

The Project will rank as one of Australia’s largest capital investments and generate significant economic 

benefits for Australia and in particular for Queensland. The Project is forecast to stimulate an increase in 

Queensland’s gross state product of up to $32 billion between 2010 and 2021, or approximately 

$2.6 billion per annum. 

As the Proponent, QGC will develop the following components of infrastructure for the QCLNG Project: 

• Gas Field Component: an expansion of QGC’s existing CSG fields in the Surat Basin of southern 

Queensland including management of Associated Water produced 

• Pipeline Component: a network of underground pipelines, including gas and water collection pipelines 

in the Gas Field, and an underground gas transmission pipeline (Export Pipeline) from the Gas Field 

to the proposed Curtis Island LNG Facility of approximately 340km. 

• LNG Component: a gas liquefaction facility on the south west coast of Curtis Island. The LNG Facility 

will initially comprise two processing units, or “trains”, with provision for a third train. Nominal 

production capacity with three trains operating will be up to 12 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of 

LNG. This component also includes an export jetty and other supporting infrastructure 

• Shipping Operations: LNG shipping operations to load the LNG and transport cargoes to global export 

markets. 

A fifth component, a swing basin at the export jetty and new shipping channel from the existing channels 

in the Port of Gladstone, will need to be developed to access the LNG export jetty. 

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1.2 Scope Of The Environmental Management Plan 

This EMP has been developed for the Gas Collection Header as part of the QCLNG project. 

The Gas Collection Header will encompass the development, construction, operation and 

decommissioning of a 191.2 km central pipeline located upstream to collect gas from centralised 

compressor facilities for delivery to the Export Pipeline. 

1.3 Company Structure 

BG Group Plc 

• BG Group plc is a UK-listed energy business with activities on five continents and interests in 

27 countries. Although headquartered in Reading, more than 60 per cent of the company’s 

5,300 employees are located outside the United Kingdom. BG Group has operations across the 

energy sector, particularly in natural gas, where it has experience throughout the gas chain from 

exploration to distribution to the customer. BG Group ranks among the largest companies on the 

London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately A$72 billion (as of July 2009). 

In 2008 BG Group’s operating profit was £5.4 billion. 

QGC Pty Limited 

• Founded as Queensland Gas Company Limited, the Brisbane-headquartered CSG explorer listed on 

the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in August 2000 with a market capitalisation of $16 million. Over 

the next seven years, the company rapidly developed a strong reserves base in the Surat Basin of 

southern Queensland, culminating in its first gas sales in the domestic market in 2007. 

• In February 2008, QGC announced an alliance with BG Group plc (BG Group) via a subsidiary 

company (BG International Limited) to develop the QCLNG Project. After an agreed takeover 

announced in October 2008, BG Group purchased QGC. This acquisition consolidated QGC’s 

extensive CSG expertise and BG Group’s international experience in LNG within a single-company 

structure. In April 2009, QGC was delisted from the ASX. In addition to LNG, the new QGC is focused 

on continued expansion of its CSG resource base in Queensland and supply to both domestic and 

export markets. 

• QGC has already committed a significant proportion of its fast-growing reserves to meeting Australia’s 

energy needs. These reserves are projected to supply about 20 per cent of Queensland’s domestic 

gas market in 2009. After the QCLNG Project has commenced production, QGC will continue to 

identify, evaluate and pursue opportunities for domestic gas sales. 

QCLNG Pipeline Pty Ltd 

• QCLNG Pipeline Pty Ltd (QCLNG Pipeline) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BG Group plc, and 

proposes to construct, own and operate the 42” gas pipelines required to transport QGC’s gas from 

its Central Processing Plants in the gas fields to Curtis Island. 

• QCLNG Pipeline has the ability to draw on the financial and technical resources of the BG Group to 

competently and safely manage the construction and operation of the pipelines. QCLNG Pipeline Pty 

Ltd will be required to comply with QGC’s health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) 

management policies, procedures and processes as described below and within this document. 

1.4 Overview of QGC’s Environmental Management Policy 

QGC’s environmental policy is to manage all its construction and operational activities and those 

conducted by its contractors in a pro-active manner to minimise any environmental impacts from the 

6 of 89





development of the QCLNG Project. QGC has developed and implemented a structured environmental 

program that involved: 

• Identification of environmental values; 

• Environmental assessment; 

• Implementation of environmental mitigation strategies to avoid or minimise environmental impacts; 

• Environmental monitoring; 

• Environmental Inspections and auditing; 

• Complaint investigation and resolution; 

• Corrective action; 

• Transparent public environmental reporting; 

• Community consultation and engagement; and 

• Management Review. 

QGC, a BG Group Company, strives for continual improvement in the environmental outcomes achieved 

through all of its activities and those identified in this Environmental Management Plan (EMP). This EMP 

for this part of the QCLNG Project is complementary to, and consistent with, QGC’s and BG’s Corporate 

Environmental Policy, that is documented in the QGC Environmental Management System and on the 

web site (www.qgc.com.au). 

Under BG’s Environmental Management System, new projects such as the QCLNG Project will require a 

project specific Environmental Management System (EMS) which is consistent with the BG Business 

Principles, which are provided below. 

CONDUCT 

• We act with 

integrity, fairness 

and transparency 

• We comply with 

legal, regulatory and 

licence requirements 

• We do not tolerate 

corruption in any 

form, whether direct 

or indirect 

• Our investment 

criteria take account 

of economic returns, 

environmental 

impacts, social 

consequences and 

human rights 

OUR PEOPLE SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT 

• We treat people with 

fairness, respect and 

decency 

• We help employees 

develop their 

potential 

• We believe that all 

injuries are 

preventable 

• We provide healthy, 

safe and secure work 

environments 

• We work to ensure 

that neighbouring 

communities benefit 

from our presence 

on an enduring basis 

• We listen to 

neighbouring 

communities and 

take account of their 

interests 

• We support human 

rights within our 

areas of influence 

• We make a positive 

contribution to the 

protection of the 

environment 

• We go beyond 

compliance with local 

environmental 

regulation to meet 

internationally 

accepted best 

practice 

• We reduce to the 

minimum practicable 

any adverse effects 

of our operations on 

the environment 

• High standards of 

corporate 

governance are 

integral to the way 

we manage our 

business 

7 of 89





It is with these commitments that the QCLNG Project will not only meet the commitments presented in the 

QCLNG EIS, those required by government and those identified in this EMP, that it is QGC’s view that 

this Project will be managed in such a way to ensure that the environmental and social values within the 

areas and community in which we operate will be maintained and where ever possible enhanced. 

1.5 QGC Environmental Management Structure and Responsibilities 

In 2009, the BG Group, agreed to take over QGC, resulting in QGC becoming a BG Group Business. The 

business of QGC is currently transitioning to be fully consistent with the principles and standards of the 

BG Group. The QCLNG Project is a key global project of the BG Group and as such it has been 

developed under the corporate framework for the BG Group and to the business standards and principles 

for which the BG Group is committed. The organisational structure below outlines the reporting 

arrangements of all major parties involved in developing, constructing and operating the QCLNG Project. 

Figure 1 QGC Environmental Management Structure 

BG Group 

HSSE Team 

QGC Corporate 

QCLNG 

Environment 

QGC Domestic 

EPC 

Contractors 

HSSE Team 

Sub 

Contractors 

Sub 

Contractors 

Sub 

Contractors 

Sub 

Contractors 

QGC EMS 

8 of 89





BG Group HSSE Roles and Responsibilities 

BG Group HSSE Business Unit located in the United Kingdom plays a key role in ensuring all of BG 

Group’s businesses and its operations meet BG Group HSSE standards, reporting requirements and 

international, national and local laws. The BG Group HSSE Business Unit responsibilities include but are 

not limited to: 

• Setting HSSE standards for all BG Group Projects and existing operations. 

• Implementing global HSSE auditing and reviewing across its activities including environmental 

incidents, management systems and operational procedures. 

• Preparing public environmental reports and input into public financial reports. 

• Reviewing and setting standards for key environmental issues including greenhouse gases, hazard 

and risk, climate change. 

• Ensuring all projects have a certified EMS from 2 years of approval. 

The development of the QCLNG Project has resulted in the deployment of BG Group’s corporate HSSE 

resources to Queensland, to ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with all BG standards. 

QGC 

QGC responsibility is to develop the domestic gas operations while developing the QCLNG Project and 

growing both markets. Its role is to ensure that the QCLNG Project and its subsequent operations 

perform to meet BG’s, shareholders and communities expectations. It will, over the coming years, be an 

international leader in the development and sale of CSG and LNG across the world. In doing this it is 

responsible for: 

• Resourcing the QCLNG Environment Team; 

• Driving the QCLNG EMS process to certification; 

• Auditing and reviewing the environmental performance of the QCLNG Project; and 

• Management review of the QCLNG Project for environmental performance. 

QCLNG Environment Team 

The QCLNG Environment team is a dedicated project team that will be in place that will work with 

BG Group’s and QGC’s HSSE teams to ensure that the QCLNG Project is constructed and operates in 

accordance with all commitments outlined in the QCLNG EIS, BG Group business standards and 

principles, QGC standards and procedures, QGC’s EMS and any license or approval issued by 

international, national, state or local government agencies. The QCLNG Environment Team will be 

responsible for: 

• Review of all tenders and contracts to ensure that all companies contracted and equipment supplied 

meets the QCLNG Project’s environmental criteria. 

• Develop all construction and operating environmental procedures, as required, to ensure 

environmental compliance with all abovementioned documentation. 

• Develop and implement all contractor environmental induction and awareness training. 

• Inspect and audit QCLNG construction and operations activities as per internal QGC or BG 

requirements or as stipulated by any licence or permit. 

• Report to Government, community groups, and internal QGC or BG stakeholders on the 

environmental performance of the QCLNG Project. 

9 of 89





• Drive a culture of environmental performance and environmental improvement through all aspects of 

QCLNG Project activities. 

EPC Contractors 

A number of EPC Contractors will be contracted to construct key project components such as major gas 

field infrastructure, pipelines (Gas Collection Header and Export Pipeline) and the LNG Facility, or supply 

equipment. These contractors will be required to: 

• Comply with all BG business standards and principles; 

• Comply with any QGC environmental policies, procedures or systems; 

• Report to QCLNG Environment Team any incidents and corrective action undertaken; 

• Participate in any environmental training, induction programs and review programs; 

• Allow the QCLNG Environment Team to inspect and audit their activities and operations as it relates 

to the QCLNG Project, as required; and 

• Attend any performance meetings as directed by BG Group, QGC or QCLNG Environment Team. 

Sub-contractors of QGC or EPC Contractors 

A number of Sub-contractors will be contracted to assist EPC Contractors or QGC to construct project 

components or supply equipment. These contractors will be required to: 

• Comply with all BG business standards and principles; 

• Comply with all EPC Contractor requirements as negotiated with QGC or BG Group; 

• Comply with any QCLNG environmental policies, procedures or systems; 

• Report to EPC Contractor and QCLNG Environment Team any incidents and corrective action 

undertaken; 

• Participate in any environmental training, induction programs and review programs; 

• Allow the QCLNG Environment Team to inspect and audit their activities and operations as it relates 

to the QCLNG Project, as required; and 

• Attend any performance meetings as directed by an EPC Contractor, BG Group, QGC or QCLNG 

Environment Team. 

The QCLNG Project has employed a comprehensive corporate structure with clearly defined roles and 

responsibilities to ensure that the environmental performance of any part of the QCLNG Project is 

transparently, efficiently and effectively reported in a timely way and that the appropriate person can be 

contacted and advise on any corrective action that may be required to be undertaken from time to time. 

10 of 89





1.6 BG and QGC’s compliance record 

As a result of the agreed takeover, QGC became a part of the BG Group in 2009. The business of QGC 

is currently in transition to be fully consistent with the principles and standards of the BG Group. 

At the time of writing this report, neither QGC nor BG Group have received any enforcement notices or 

have been prosecuted for an environmental offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or its 

subordinate legislation. 

It should also be noted that at the time of writing this report, no company Director of BG Group or QGC 

has been prosecuted for an environmental offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or its 

subordinate legislation. 

1.7 Overview of Legislation 

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) persons proposing new petroleum projects must 

apply for an environmental authority under the EP Act and one or more petroleum authorities under the 

Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (P&G Act). Applications for a level 1 petroleum 

activity must be accompanied by an EMP. The submission of this EMP is to ensure compliance with the 

EP Act and to ensure that an appropriate and valid application has been lodged and can be reviewed by 

interested parties as part of the public notification process that is required under the EP Act for this EMP 

and EA application. 

1.8 The Pipeline Licence Application for the Gas Collection Header 

PPL application 153 is for a transmission pipeline as defined under the P&G Act as, “ a pipeline operated, 

or to be operated, for the primary purpose of conveying petroleum directly to a market after it has been 

processed, whether or not it is subsequently processed or reprocessed.” To this end, this application is for 

a point-to-point pipeline licence with the start point being Braemar State Forest and the end point being 

west of Wandoan. 

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PETROLEUM TENURES / PETROLEUM AUTHORITIES 

The pipeline route for the Gas Collection Header was detailed in the QCLNG EIS. The route commences 

at the Braemer State Forest. At this stage, construction in the State Forest cannot be avoided as this is 

related to the connection of Gas Field Component infrastructure. The route of the Gas Collection Header 

from Braemar State Forest to Wandoan is detailed in Figure 2. Figures 3, 4 and 5 indicate the land use 

along the Gas Collection Header route alignment. 

11 of 89

Ö 

DUARINGA 

CAPRICO RN HIGHWAY 

150°E 

Ö 

150°50'E 

MLV7 

ROCK3182 

ROCK3183 

Blowdown (MLV7) 

151°40'E 

Proposed Laydown Location 

ROCK3253 ROCK3254 

ROCK3255 

MOUNT LARCOM 

Ö 

ROCK3324 ROCK3325 

Ö GLADSTONE 

Ö 

24°10'S 

WOORABINDA 

Ö 

BARALABA 

LEICHHARDT HIGHWAY 


BRIS81 

BRIS153 

BRIS10 

DAWSON HIGHWAY 

BRIS82 

ROCK3396 

BRIS11 

BRIS12 

MLV6 

Ö 

Proposed Camp Laydown 

CALLIOPE 

Ö 

TANNUM SANDS 

Ö SEVENTEEN SEVENTY 

Ö AGNES WATER 

24°10'S 

BURNETT HIGHWAY 

MLV5 

BRIS225 

Cathodic Protection (MLV5) 

Ö 

MIRIAM VALE 


BRIS297 


FINGERBOARD ROAD 

TABLELAND ROAD 


Ö 

MOURA 

Proposed Laydown Only 

Communication Facility 

Ö 

BRIS584 

BRIS368 

BRIS369 

THANGOOL 

BRIS440 

BRIS512 


BRUCE HIGHWAY 

Ö 

MOO 

BUNDABERG LOWMEAD ROAD 

BRIS656 

BRIS728 

Ö 

MONTO 

Ö 

THEODORE 

BRIS800 

25°S Ö GIN GIN 

25°S 

BRIS872 

Midline Scraper Station 

BUNDABERG GIN GIN ROAD 

ISIS HIGHWAY 

Ö 


Cathodic Protection (MSS) 

BRIS944 

Blowdown (MSS) 

Ö 

CORDALB 

Ö 

CHI 

Proposed Camp Laydown 

BRIS1087 

BRIS1088 

BRIS1159 

BRIS1160 

Ö 

BURNETT HIGH WAY 

EIDSVOLD 

BRIS1232 

Ö 

TAROOM 

Proposed Power EMT 

MLV3 

BRIS1375 

BRIS1304 

BRIS1376 

Ö 

MUNDUBBERA 

Ö 

GAYNDAH 

ISIS HIGHWAY 

Ö 

BIGGENDEN 

BRIS1446 

BRIS1447 


BRIS1518 

Proposed Cathodic Protection 

25°50'S 

EC2 

25°50'S 

BRIS1589 

BRIS1590 

BRIS1661 


Ö 

WANDOAN 

Proposed EC1 Location 

CHAR2015 

BRIS1945 BRIS1947 

CHAR2013 

BRIS1946 

CHAR2014 CHAR2016 

Proposed Receipt Station 

BRIS1875 

BRIS1732 

BRIS2019 

BRIS1804 

BRIS1876 

BRIS1733 

Proposed Blowdown 

Ö PROSTON 

WONDAI - PROSTON ROAD 

CHINCHILLA - WONDAI ROAD 

Ö 

Ö CHERBOURG 

WONDAI 

W 

Ö GOOMERI 

Ö MURGON 

Ö KILKIVA 

IDE BAY HIGHWAY 

BRIS2091 

BRIS2163 

Ö 

KINGAROY 

26°40'S 

WARREGO HIGHW AY 

Ö 

ROMA CONDAMINE ROAD 

DULACCA 



Ö MILES 


BRIS2381BRIS2382 



Ö CHINCHILLA 

WARREGO HIGHWAY 

Ö 

JANDOWAE 

Ö 

BELL 

B UNYA HIGHWAY 

Ö 

Ö NANANGO 26°40'S 

YARRAMAN 

D 

'AGUILAR HIGHWAY 

Ö 

BLACKBUTT 

BRIS2600 

BRIS2673 

BRIS2601 

DALBY - COOYAR ROAD 

150°E 

BRIS2745 

BRIS2746 

BRIS2747 

150°50'E 

MOO NIE HIGHWAY 

Ö 

DALBY 

151°40'E 

NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY 

Ö 

CROWS NEST 

± 

0 12.5 25 50 

Kilometers 

Map Projection: GDA 94 

SCALE: 

1:1,130,000 

(A3) 

QCLNG Pipeline Facilities 

QCLNG Pipeline 

Collection Header 

Blocks 

Facilities 

QGC PL/PLAs 

QGC ATPs 

DATA SOURCE: 

Towns, Roads, Rail & Rivers - Geosciences Australia 

Note: Every effort has been made to ensure this information is spatially accurate. 

The location of this information should not be relied on as the exact field location. 

"Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources and Water) 2008. In consideration of the State 

permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the State gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, 

completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs 

(including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws." 

DATE: 

CREATED BY: 

5/05/10 

CR 

MAP NO: 

REV NO: 

M_02681_01 

A

WANDOAN 

MILES 

CHINCHILLA 

CONDAMINE 

ArcMXD: T:\Clients - Projects\QGC\QGC020-QCLNG\GIS\Data\Work Request\WR_QGC_01153\WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_1.mxd 

MAP: T:\Clients - Projects\QGC\QGC020-QCLNG\GIS\Data\Work Request\WR_QGC_01153\WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_1 

CLIENT: 

PROJECT: 

TITLE: 

DATE: 

DATA SOURCE: 

1:250,000 Topographic Raster copyright Geoscience Australia 

DCDB data copyright State of Queensland (2009) 

SCALE: 

Queensland Gas Company 

Queensland Curtis LNG Project 

Collection Header CHPPL_1 

21-April-2010 

1: 500,000 (A3) GDA94 Lat/Long 

5 2.5 0 5 10 15 20 

Kilometers 

Legend 

Collection Header Pipeline 

Export Pipeline 

Cadastre 

DATE DRAWN APPROVED DRAWING NO. REV. 

TARA 

GP0 Box 3107 - Brisbane QLD 4000 

p (07) 3024 9000 f (07) 3024 8999 

w http://www.qgc.com.au e qgc@qgc.com.au 

WA 

NT 

SA 

AREA OF DETAIL 

QUEENSLAND 

Condamine 

QLD 

NSW 

VIC 

TAS 

Ü 

21.04.2010 EH JT WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_1 A Gladstone 

PROPOSED PIPELINE ALIGNMENT 

Export Pipeline & KPs 

Collection Header & KPs 

Unidel Group Pty Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data. 

Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map. 

REV NO DATE SUPPLIED BY 

Rev G 

Rev F 

15-03-2010 

15-03-2010 

Unidel 

Unidel 

NEW SOUTH 

WALES 

BRISBANE

WANDOAN 

430 

MILES 

419 

CHINCHILLA 

CONDAMINE 

TARA 

ArcMXD: T:\Clients - Projects\QGC\QGC020-QCLNG\GIS\Data\Work Request\WR_QGC_01153\WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_2b.mxd 

MAP: T:\Clients - Projects\QGC\QGC020-QCLNG\GIS\Data\Work Request\WR_QGC_01153\WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_2b 

CLIENT: 

PROJECT: 

TITLE: 

DATE: 

DATA SOURCE: 



Mining Tenements Information copyright State of 

Queensland (Dept. of Mines & Energy) 

SCALE: 




Surrounding Mining Tenements 

CHPPL 2b (Map 2 of 2) 

21-April-2010 

1: 500,000 (A3) GDA94 Lat/Long 

5 2.5 0 5 10 15 20 

Kilometers 

Legend 




23.04.2010 EH JT WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_2b A 




Mining Development Lease 


Rev G 

Rev F 

15-03-2010 

15-03-2010 

Unidel 

Unidel 


p (07) 3024 9000 f (07) 3024 8999 


WA 

NT 

SA 


QUEENSLAND 

Condamine 

QLD 

NSW 

VIC 

TAS 

NEW SOUTH 

WALES 

Ü 

Gladstone 

BRISBANE 


Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map.

787 

WANDOAN 

1251 

813 

277 

651 

276 

1386 

1251 

1164 

209 

792 

810 

1251 

1251 

171 1251 

1251 

1251 

1251 

747 

1118 

810 

1015 

1041 

810 

813 

692 

1041 

1041 

1041 

MILES 

267 

1165 

247 

CHINCHILLA 

702 

226 

272 

676 

1041 

179 

1046 

229 

692 

810 

CONDAMINE 

215 

1148 

253 

1132 

1132 

1132 

702 

869 

278 

692 

225 

1367 

648 

273 

275 

ArcMXD: T:\Clients - Projects\QGC\QGC020-QCLNG\GIS\Data\Work Request\WR_QGC_01153\WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_2a.mxd 

MAP: T:\Clients - Projects\QGC\QGC020-QCLNG\GIS\Data\Work Request\WR_QGC_01153\WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_2a 

CLIENT: 

PROJECT: 

TITLE: 

DATE: 

DATA SOURCE: 



Petroleum Tenements Information copyright State of 

Queensland (Dept. of Mines & Energy) 

SCALE: 




Surrounding Petroleum Tenements 

CHPPL 2a (Map 1 of 2) 

21-April-2010 

1: 500,000 (A3) GDA94 Lat/Long 

5 2.5 0 5 10 15 20 

Kilometers 

Legend 




23.04.2010 EH JT WR_QGC_01153_CHPPL_2a A 





Unidel Group Pty Ltd is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map. 

Exploration Permit - Coal 

TARA 

Exporation Permit - Petroleum 

Petroleum Lease 


Rev G 

Rev F 

15-03-2010 

15-03-2010 

Unidel 

Unidel 


p (07) 3024 9000 f (07) 3024 8999 


WA 

NT 

SA 

867 

DATA NOT VERIFIED 


QUEENSLAND 

Condamine 

QLD 

NSW 

VIC 

TAS 

NEW SOUTH 

WALES 

Ü 

Gladstone 

BRISBANE





2.1 Description of Area 

The following blocks and sub blocks listed below describe the areas for which this application is made. 

Table 2.1: Block description 

BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK 

BRIS1944 BRIS2454 BRIS2380 




BRIS2019 

BRIS2600 

BRIS2091 

BRIS2601 

BRIS2163 

BRIS2673 

BRIS2235 

BRIS2745 

BRIS2236 

BRIS2746 

BRIS2308 

BRIS2747 

BRIS2309 

CHAR2013 

BRIS2310 

CHAR2014 

BRIS2381 

CHAR2015 

BRIS2382 

CHAR2016 

Table 2.2: Lot and Plan Details for Gas Collection Header Pipeline 

LOT & PLAN LOT & PLAN LOT & PLAN LOT & PLAN LOT & PLAN LOT & PLAN 

3RP620202 1CP903915 1RP612108 13CTN301 3RW317 19PH524 

63PM40 1RN1225 86DS636 12CTN301 1RW670 3SP104391 

62PM40 15RN474 3MPH14076 25CTN406 7RW668 15FT111 

70PM427 5RN516 1MPH14076 23CTN1233 16RW328 7NT243 

67PM48 7RN1009 2DS725 7RP609065 13RW330 5NT364 

66PM48 16RP883977 2SP108915 25CTN406 14RW329 42SP137907 

111PM166 16RP883977 1SP108915 12SP199383 12RW330 42SP137907 

156RN416 12RP912765 2SP157677 19CTN345 1RW333 2AU97 

195RN415 DAP19580 4SP225924 4CTN406 3RW740 12AU174 

70PM427 49PM187 3SP225924 31SP122298 1RW333 5NT196 

68PM315 47PM164 2SP225924 1CL4032 3RW740 4NT195 

BAP12253 42PM135 8SP200847 269CL4095 4WK198 07NT243 

90PM74 43PM135 525CL40243 217CL4081 19PH524 42SP137907 

87PM74 2RP616140 67CL40347 524CL40243 19PH524 2NT338 

88PM73 194RN432 3RP801363 477CL40223 3SP104391 6NT354 

24RN1599 193RN433 9SP200837 3SP217657 5WK207 302FTY1349 

10RN52 23RN527 9SP200837 412CL40158 8WK171 6NT354 

4RN903 43RN1261 137FTY1831 1RP616641 6RW337 17NT354 

24RN1599 18RN1457 2MPH34582 1RP606302 3RW317 24AU146 

4RN903 16RN517 137FTY1831 18CTN344 1RW330 23FT111 

109PM165 4SP225924 45RP894241 13SP200915 15RW329 21FT111 

18PM191 4RP620657 6CTN812615 1RP865974 1WK233 21FT111 

19PM186 3SP101558 48CTN512 219CL40301 3WK225 17FT111 

1PM191 201SP116496 49CTN512 217CL4081 1WK233 302FTY1349 

49PM187 201SP116496 4RP860093 269CL4095 1RW341 AYNT233 

40PM188 140SP122252 479CL40215 218CL4081 1RW341 4AU106 

23RN527 3RP613702 525CL40243 16CTN344 1RW341 17FT111 

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The Gas Collection Header route selected has been assessed against a range of factors. These include: 

• Topography and potential constructability of the large diameter pipeline; 

• Potential environmental constraints; 

• Commercial viability; 

• Corridor length; 

• Approvals and land access complexity; and 

• Community impacts. 

A final route was selected based on a risk assessment of these and other environmental and social 

factors including outcomes from public submissions and government consultation which occurred as part 

of the QCLNG EIS process. The outcomes of these assessments and community issues raised during the 

QCLNG EIS Process are detailed in Section 5 of this report. 

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES 

The Gas Collection Header will link QGC’s production areas. This pipeline will be approximately 191.2 km 

in length and will generally extend from an area east of Tara to west of Wandoan. 

3.1 Gas Collection Header Pipeline Specifications 

The proposed pipeline (construction and operation) activities that may affect the environment include: 

• Clearing pipeline construction corridors, referred to as a right-of-way (ROW), for installation of pipes; 

• Excavation of pipe trenches; 

• Pipe laying activities; 

• Pipe laydown and storage areas; 

• Restoration of the ROW; 

• Borrow pits; 

• Erecting and operating temporary accommodation camps and administration facilities; 

• Communication facilities; 

• Portable water supply or transport; 

• Water management; 

• Dangerous goods and fuel storage; 

• Transport of plant, equipment and materials by road or rail and facilities to support the logistics of 

transport; and 

• Maintenance and surveillance activities during operations. 

3.2 Design Parameters 

Metered, compressed, dry gas from each of the CPP’s will be collected and transported by collection 

laterals to the Gas Collection Header. Collection laterals will be located where required to connect a CPP 

to the collection header. The Gas Collection Header spans the length of the gas field and is 

approximately 191 km long. The Gas Collection Header connects to the Export Pipeline at the Receipt 

Station, which is located about 20 km SE of the town of Wandoan. 

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The Gas Collection Header and Export Pipeline are designed to free flow the peak feed gas demand of 

the LNG Plant. The pipeline may be modified to supply a third train of gas in future by the installation of 

mid-line compression. 

Refer to Table 3.1 below for the operating and design temperatures, pressures and flows for each the 

Laterals, Gas Collection Header and Export Pipeline. The Gas Collection Header and Export Pipeline will 

be designed for full class 600 operation rated to 10,200 kPag as described by Australian Standard 

AS2885. 

The Receipt Station contains metering facilities for custody transfer of gas from the Gas Fields to the 

Export Pipeline. A scraper station including coalescer/s will also be located at the Receipt Station. The 

sizing of filter coalescers will consider the expected TEG carryover and condensation from CPPs and the 

expected pigging frequency for the Gas Collection Header. A liquid storage vessel will be installed at the 

facilities to collect liquids should they occur. 

The 42” Export Pipeline will transport gas to the LNG Facility at Gladstone and is approximately 333 km 

long. The Export Pipeline and Gas Collection Header provides buffer capacity to allow the gas production 

to be shutdown in an orderly manner in the event of an LNG Plant upset, and similarly, will provide line 

pack to allow the LNG Plant to be shut down in an orderly manner in the event of a loss of gas production 

from the field. 

Table 3.1: Location Specific Operating and Design Gas Conditions for CSG to LNG 1 

Location 

Pressure, kPag Temperature, °C Flow, MMscfd 

Min. Max. Operating Min. Max. Design Min. Max. 

Well Head Separator 500 345 10 48 50 0.3 5 5 

FCS Inlet 345 172 10 35 35 - 80 80 

Inlet to Trunklines 1,818 2 To be 

comfirmed 2 20 7 55 55 - 80 80 

CPP Inlet 4 10 7 45 7 45 7 - 400 440 

- 90 100 

Desig 

n 

- 600 660 

Inlet to Collection Header - 10,200 10,200 20 55 85 Refer to CPP sizes 

above 

Delivery at LNG Plant 6 5,500 10,200 5,500 10 35 85 462 8 1,360 1,360 

Notes: 

1. These values are for performance assessment only and are not to be used for mechanical design of equipment. 

2. The maximum pressure at the outlet of the FCS is based on the limit of 150# flanges, the design outlet pressure will be determined 

based on trunkline hydraulic analysis 

3. Inlet to Collection Header or a Collection lateral is at the battery limit isolation valve at the outlet of the CPP (prior to the pig 

launcher) 

4. Inlet to LNG Plant is at the LNG plant battery limit which is downstream of the inlet gas meter on the outlet of the filter coalescer. 

5. These temperatures are indicative, actual range of operating temps to be determined by hydraulic analysis. 

6. These are the min. and max. steady state operating conditions. 

The design parameters (refer to Table 3.2 below) for the Gas Collection Header are described below. The 

depth of cover will (a) conform to AS2885 and (b) accommodate the requirements of the Department of 

Transport and Main Roads for road and rail crossings. 

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Table 3.2: Gas Collection Header Design Parameters 

Number of pipelines 

Pipeline Component 

Design Parameters 

Gas Collection Header 

1 * gas 

Length (~ km) 191.2 

Diameter (mm) 1067 

Wall thickness (mm) 

minimum 

maximum 

14.1 

23.5 

Material AP15L –X70 

Coating 

External 

Internal 

Nominal Capacity 

Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure 

Construction ROW (m) – average 40* 

Depth of cover (min) 1 

Dual Layer Fusion-bonded epoxy 

Two-pack epoxy 

1,510 TJ/d 

10.2MPa 

Generally: 75cm 

Deep cultivated areas: 1.2m 

Road crossings 2 2m 

Rail crossings 3 2m 

Corrosion Protection 

Non-destructive testing 

Monitoring system 

Watercourse crossings 

2m minimum 

External coating and impressed current system 

100% non-destructive inspection of welded joints 

Supervisory control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) 

connected to the QGC control centre 

3.3 Cathodic Protection 

A Cathodic Protection (CP) system will be installed on the pipeline to provide a secondary form of 

corrosion protection. The secondary system will consist of small power rectifiers and anode beds that will 

maintain the pipe at a negative potential to prevent corrosion should the coating become damaged. 

Anode beds are likely to be located at each end of the pipeline and at the scraper station. 

1 Depth of HDD crossings will depend on geotechnical investigations, length and topography of the crossing, but will be greater than the 

depths listed in this table. 

2 Crossings of state-controlled roads corridors to be trenchless. 

3 Crossings of railway corridors to be trenchless and in accordance with AS4799 Installation of underground utility services and pipelines 

within railway boundaries. 

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Test points will be located at approximately 3 km to 5 km intervals along the pipeline to allow monitoring 

of the system. The CP system will be checked regularly to ensure that the protection voltages are within 

limits and will be monitored to ensure that any areas of corrosion activity are identified. 

3.4 Corridor Widths and Access 

The requirement for a 40 m clearing width has been developed taking into account the volume of topsoil 

to be removed from the corridor, the volume of subsoil that will be removed from the trench, and safe 

working distances for the various pieces of equipment required for the construction of the pipeline. An 

engineering illustration for the ROW clearing is provided in Figure 6 below. 

The base area for the soil stockpiles has been calculated using the following assumptions: 

• mean topsoil depth along route of 15 cm (based on studies undertaken) 

• mean subsoil depth of 1.85 m (typical trench depth of 2 m) 

• predominance of duplex soils along the route 

• typical stockpiled topsoil angle of repose of 30 degrees and bulking factor of 15 per cent (most 

topsoils are sands/sandy loam along route) 

• typical stockpiled subsoil angle of repose of 45 degrees (usually 40 to 50 deg) and bulking factor of 

30 per cent (most clays along route will be ‘cloddy’) 

• stockpile heights of up to 2 m (or higher depending upon the site conditions) for short-term storage. 

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Corridor Width 

Generally the required easement width for the Gas Collection Header Pipeline will be 40 m (refer to 

Figure 6). However, this may be extended to accommodate additional areas for main line valves (MLVs), 

temporary work areas and truck turn-around areas for construction activities. The truck turn-around areas 

are typically up to 40 m in width and negotiated on an as-needs basis. Such areas are temporary and 

restricted to the construction period alone. 

Figure 6: Typical Construction Corridor 

The width of the ROW required to construct the pipeline is based on the need to safely manoeuvre all 

necessary plant and equipment while providing good environmental management. 

Following construction, the ROW will be partially reinstated to reduce the ROW to a width of 12 m that 

allows access for operational monitoring and maintenance activities. At the end of the Project life, once 

the Pipeline Component has been decommissioned, the ROW will be fully rehabilitated. 

Works will be carried out in accordance with the Australian Pipeline Industry Associate (APIA) Code and 

the measures contained within the EMPs that are set out in this document. 

Access 

During construction, access tracks will be required to reach areas such as construction easements, work 

areas and campsites. Existing roads, tracks and disturbed areas will be utilised as far as practicable to 

minimise disturbance to the surrounding areas. Existing public roads and farm tracks have been mapped 

throughout the area and it is expected that few new access tracks will be needed. 

The location of access tracks will be developed in consultation with all relevant landholder requirements 

and regulatory authorities. 

Generally, local roads and tracks provide access to the pipeline ROW during operations. However, it may 

be necessary to maintain additional tracks created during construction and this will be negotiated with the 

relevant landholder. 

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Temporary and Permanent Aboveground Facilities 

A range of temporary facilities will be required during pipeline construction. These include work areas for 

equipment, pipe delivery and storage. In addition, campsites for temporary accommodation of the 

construction workforce will be required. Occasionally, borrow pits to source additional fill material may be 

required. These additional work areas will be fully rehabilitated once the pipeline is operational. 

Permanent aboveground facilities for the pipeline will include: 

• mainline valves 

• scraper stations 

• communication towers 

• cathodic protection facilities 

• marker signs. 

Construction activities are outlined in Table 3.3 below and include the potential for three spreads per 

pipeline. 

Table 3.3 Construction Program Characteristics for Gas Collection Header Pipeline 

Construction Element 

Width of vegetation clearing 

Depth of trench to provide the minimum 

depth of cover 

Trenchless techniques 

Construction Workforce 

Construction Spreads 

Standard construction hours 

Construction duration (approximate) 

Details 

40m for the Gas Collection Header Pipeline Corridor 

Generally 2m 

Deep Cultivated Areas 2,4m 

Road Crossings 2.4/3.05m 

Creeks and Rivers 2.4/3.2m 

This can include boring, HDD or tunnelling. This technique is used, 

geotechnical constraints permitting, for rail line crossings, state 

controlled road crossings and watercourses and other environmentally 

sensitive areas (such as wetlands) where trenching techniques may 

cause unacceptable environmental disturbance. 

500 for Gas Collection Header 

2 construction spreads plus special crossing team 

6 am – 6 pm seven days per/week 

18-24 months 

Refuelling 

Normal time between clear and grade 

and restoration 

Mobile fuel truck and construction depot 

Up to four months 

The crossing of any roads or rail lines will be carried out by a specialist crew, enabling the activity to be 

completed within a minimum timeframe. At no time will a road be permanently impassable and traffic 

management measures will be implemented. 

All crossings of state-controlled roads and rail lines will be by trenchless techniques and there will be no 

interruption to rail traffic although some reduction in speed may be required. This will be negotiated with 

the relevant rail authority before the start of a specific crossing. 

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3.5 Design Criteria for Temporary or Permanent Access Crossings 

Temporary access crossings for machinery and transport across a waterway are dependent on the level 

of flow in the waterway. Dry waterway crossings are cleared in a similar manner to the remaining ROW, 

although all material removed is stockpiled back from the top of the bank and above the riparian zone. 

Vehicle access is then directly along the ROW. 

If required, the area is compacted or felled timber may be laid across the traffic area to provide a more 

stable base. For waterways with a low volume of flow, a temporary culvert will be set up by installing 

pipes in line with the flow and providing compacted subsoil material over the pipe. 

For waterways with heavy flows, an alternative crossing point will be located or timing for construction. 

At locations where temporary crossings are created, all excess materials will be removed at the 

completion of construction and the area reinstated. 

Permanent crossing points would normally be existing access tracks and the Project would not expect to 

create any permanent access crossings. 

3.6 Watercourse Crossings 

Further work has been done in relation to the potential construction method for crossing each of the 

various watercourses. A listing of the watercourses and their proposed method of crossing (minor 

crossing, major crossing or trenchless) is given in Appendix 1. 

The Gas Collection Header watercourse crossings are classified as minor and major. In all, there are 82 

minor open-cut crossings, 22 major open-cut crossings, including two proposed HDD crossings. The 

need to do HDD will be reviewed during detailed design. 

A description of different crossing techniques is provided below. 

Standard Open-Cut 

This technique is suitable for the majority of watercourse crossings encountered along the various 

pipeline routes and for the crossing of unsealed local roads. It may also be applied to some low-traffic 

sealed roads where this will not create undue traffic interruptions. 

Trenchless 

The following trenchless techniques may be used where standard open-cut is not appropriate. These 

techniques are described below. 

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) 

This technique is used for trenchless crossings requiring long sections of pipe installation. It is suitable for 

road, rail and watercourse crossings but is predominantly used for watercourse crossings. 

The feasibility of using HDD is limited by site conditions such as soil stability, slope, access, available 

workspace and nature of subsurface rock (gravel soils or cobble are not ideal for HDD). The length of the 

drill and the pipe diameter also influence the ability to use HDD as the risk of failure (unsuccessful 

construction) increases with pipe diameter and length of drill. 

The installation of the pipeline by HDD involves drilling a hole at a shallow angle beneath the surface 

through which the pipe is threaded. 

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Drilling is conducted by a specially designed drill rig, operated by a specialist contractor. A variety of 

associated equipment and infrastructure is required. Note that the work area (equipment laydown) usually 

exceeds the standard ROW width, being typically about 50 m wide. 

Although HDD substantially reduces the impacts in the immediate area of the crossing (such as to the 

bed and banks of watercourses), the technique can introduce additional environmental considerations. 

These include clearing of an area for the set-up of the equipment and pipe string, drill site sediment 

control, drill mud (water-based bentonite) management, potential for drill mud seepage through alluvial 

materials, and waste management. Access for vehicles and equipment around the watercourse is also 

required, resulting in the additional use, or creation of, access tracks. 

HDD also has the potential for the drill bit to intersect a fracture within the underlying geology. Should this 

occur, bentonite mud may be released to the surface (such as into the watercourse). This event is 

referred to as a ‘frac out’ and may present a safety hazard in road and rail corridors and an environmental 

hazard in watercourses. Bentonite is a natural clay-like substance formed from the deposition of volcanic 

ash. When it is released into a watercourse through a ‘frac out’, it will cause increased turbidity until the 

material is fully dispersed. 

If partial losses are experienced due to a frac out then a Loss Circulation Material (LCM) is added to the 

drilling fluid initially. The LCM would be a combination of bridging agents, fibres and flakes and swelling 

additives. If returns are not regained by treating with LCM, the drilling borehole assembly will have to be 

removed and a cementing application tried. In a dry watercourse, it is often preferable to leave the spilt 

bentonite in situ where it will dry out and break down into the surrounding area. Where a large spill 

occurs, the material can be excavated and disposed of by burial. Where a spill occurs within a rail or road 

corridor, material would be removed to ensure the safe operation of the infrastructure. 

To address these issues, site-specific management procedures will be prepared before drilling as an 

outcome of the detailed design phase of this Project. 

Boring 

Boring is a low-impact technique involving drilling short distances from below ground within an enlarged 

trench area (bore pit) either side of the crossing location within the ROW This method may be used for 

road and rail crossings as well as for watercourses. For road and rail crossings, the bore pits are located 

outside the infrastructure corridor. 

The feasibility of using a bore is limited by site conditions, including depth required, width of crossing, 

geology, landform, soil type and service/ infrastructure. 

Tunnelling 

Tunnelling is similar to boring but requires much larger bore pits, and micro-tunnelling equipment is used 

instead of a drill. This reduces the depth and distance required to achieve a HDD crossing with largediameter 

pipe. The tunnel is lined with concrete sections through which the pipe is threaded. This method 

is not suitable for certain types of soil, such as gravels. 

3.7 Timeframe And Staging 

It is projected that construction of the Gas Collection Header will take between 18 and 24 months using 

two construction spreads, plus a special crossing team, and will require approximately 500 workers for 

the duration of the construction period. 

The pipeline is projected to remain in operation for a period of approximately 20 years, before it is 

decommissioned. 

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3.8 Environmentally Relevant Activities 

A number of Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA’s) will be required for the construction and 

continued operation of the Gas Collection Header. Chapter 4 activities, as prescribed by the 

Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, if they are not environmentally relevant activities conducted 

under Chapter 5A, are likely to include: 

• ERA 8: chemical storage; 

• ERA 15: fuel burning; 

• ERA 16: extractive and screening activities; 

• ERA 17: abrasive blasting; 

• ERA 18: boilermaking or engineering; 

• ERA 56: regulated waste storage; 

• ERA 57: regulated waste transport; 

• ERA 60: regulated waste disposal and 

• ERA 63: sewage treatment. 

3.9 Notifiable Activities 

Pursuant to Schedule 3 of the EP Act (defined below), the following notifiable activities may be 

undertaken during the construction and operation of the Gas Collection Header: 

7. Chemical storage (other than petroleum products or oil under item 29) - storing more than 10t of 

chemicals (other than compressed or liquefied gases) that are dangerous goods under the dangerous 

goods code. 

23. Metal treatment or coating - treating or coating metal including, for example, anodising, galvanising, 

pickling, electroplating, heat treatment using cyanide compounds and spray painting using more than 5L 

of paint per week (other than spray painting within a fully enclosed booth). 

29. Petroleum product or oil storage - storing petroleum products or oil- 

(a) 

(b) 

in underground tanks with more than 200L capacity; or 

in above ground tanks with- 

(i) for petroleum products or oil in class 3 in packaging groups 1 and 2 of the dangerous goods 

code-more than 2500L capacity; or 

(ii) for petroleum products or oil in class 3 in packaging groups 3 of the dangerous goods codemore 

than 5000L capacity; or 

(iii) for petroleum products that are combustible liquids in class C1 or C2 in Australian Standard 

AS 1940, 'The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids' published by 

Standards Australia-more than 25 000L capacity. 

4.0 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE 

COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE 

The following financial assurance estimate is based on activities to be undertaken in the construction, operation 

and rehabilitation of the Gas Collection Header pipeline (see Table 4.1). 

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The key assumptions used in deriving the estimate are as follows: 

1) Maximum of 40 m x 60 km graded and trenched at any one time = 240 ha 

2) 30 km of pipe strung and bent 

3) 30 km of pipe welded and joint coated 

4) One HDD in progress 

5) Allow 50 km of 8 m wide access tracks to rehabilitate = 40 ha 

6) Two construction camps 

7) Pipe removed from ROW and stockpiled nearby for collection by scrap metal merchant 

8) Construction camps leased, lessor to remove but not clean up 

9) Two workfronts included in calculation 

10) Unit costs for these activities have been based on Financial Assurance estimates previously made by 

QGC for DERM relating to existing QGC activities in the Surat Basin 

11) Given ongoing refinement of camp layouts and design, the construction camp rehabilitation costs have 

been calculated based on previous estimates of unit costs for existing QGC camps. 

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Rev 3 - December 2011 


Table 4.1: DERM Financial Assurance Template for this Point-to-Point Pipeline Licence 

Calculation of Financial Assurance for 192km of pipeline. 

Pipeline Construction 

Activity category / 

Disturbance type 

Removal of strung and welded 

pipe, restoration of ROW as per 

attached work sheet, and in 

accordance with methodology 

report. 

Unit rehabilitation 

cost (GST included) 

(from site-specific 

costs or Schedule in 

Code) 

See calculation 

sheets 

Existing significant 

disturbance at 

commencement 

of this Work 

Program/Development Plan 

(e.g. number of 

wells/pits/ponds) 

Maximum additional 

significant 

disturbance proposed 

during 

term of Work 

Program/Development 

Plan1 

Rehabilitation of 

significant disturbance 

proposed during term 

of Program/Plan 

(A) (B) (C) (D) 

See assumptions on 

calculation sheets 

Maximum 

rehabilitation 

cost (R) 

R = (B+C–D) x (A) 

113km 50km $3,665,200 

Total rehabilitation liability for the term of the work program or development plan $3,665,200 

Maintenance and monitoring costs (20% of rehab costs to a maximum amount of $20, 000) $20,000 

CPI (3% of total rehabilitation costs (compounded for 1 year) $109,956 

Financial assurance (Pay the difference between this amount and any financial assurance currently submitted for this project) $3,795,156 

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5.0 STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

Section 5 describes the environmental factors and those mitigations measures that have been designed as 

part of the engineering works, consultation outcomes and as identified in the QCLNG EIS to protect 

Queensland’s environmental amenity and to prevent environmental harm in the construction and operation 

of the Gas Collection Header pipeline. 

5.1 Environmental Factors 

As the basis for preparing the EMPs, environmental factors have been identified for which there are 

environmental values. For each environmental factor, individual management plans have been proposed to 

manage impacts on the environmental values associated with the environmental factors. Environmental 

factors and associated EMPs are described in Table below. 

This application relates only to the activities described in the Gas Collection Header PPL application. The 

following environmental factors are not impacted by these activities: 

• Associated Water Storage 

• Associated Water Management. 

Table 5.1: Environmental Factors of the Gas Collection Header 

Environmental Factor 

Noise and Vibration 

Air Quality 

Climate Change and Climate Extremes 

Visual Amenity and Lighting 

Flora and Fauna 

Water 

Land 

Waste 

Traffic and Transport 

Health, Safety and Security 

Rehabilitation and Decommissioning 

Social 

Management Plans 

Noise and Vibration 

Air Quality and Dust Management 

Greenhouse Gases 

Climate Change and Climate Extremes 

Visual Amenity and Lighting 

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna 

Weed and Pest Management (including Mosquitoes, Biting 

Midges and Fire Ants) 

Stock Access and Control 

Surface Water Quality 

Groundwater 

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control 

Soil Contamination 

Landscape and Character Maintenance 

Topography 

Waste 

Effluent Disposal 

Traffic and Transport 

Incidents and Complaints 

Environmental Induction and Training 

Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents 

Fire 

Dangerous Goods 

Progressive Rehabilitation 

Decommissioning 

Community 

Heritage 

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5.2 Environmental Objectives And Performance Criteria 

For each environmental factor identified, an environmental objective and performance criteria has been 

determined. These are listed in Table 5. below for the QCLNG project. 

Table 5.2: Environmental Objectives and Performance Criteria for Gas Collection Header 

Noise and 

vibration 

Element Objective Performance Criteria 

Air quality and 

dust 

Climate extremes 

and climate 

change 

Visual amenity 

Lighting 

Flora and Fauna 

To construct and operate in a 

manner that minimises the impact 

of noise and vibrations on 

surrounding residences and 

industry. 

To construct and operate in a 

manner that minimises impacts 

on ambient air quality. 

Climate extremes and climate 

change do not adversely impact 

Project infrastructure. 

To minimise impacts on visual 

amenity associated with the Gas 

Field. 

To reduce as much as practicable 

lighting impacts on sensitive 

receptors. 

To minimise impacts on the 

abundance and distribution of 

flora and fauna as a result of 

Project activities. 

Progressively rehabilitate all land 

significantly disturbed by 

construction to the pre-disturbed 

land use and suitability class. 

No exceedence of Project derived noise criteria at 

sensitive receptors. 

No noise-related complaints received from residents and 

landholders. 

Consultation with potentially affected sensitive receptors. 

Respond to all complaints. 

No exceedence of Project derived air quality criteria at 



Respond to all complaints on air quality. 

Engineering design of Project infrastructure includes 

consideration of climate extremes and climate change. 

Respond to all complaints regarding visual amenity and, 

where feasible, implement mitigation measures. 


Respond to all complaints regarding lighting and, where 

feasible, implement mitigation measures. 


Avoid, where practicable, endangered, vulnerable and 

near threatened (EVNT) flora species and the habitat of 

EVNT fauna. 

No unauthorised clearing of native vegetation. 

Permits and approvals in place for any unavoidable 

disturbance of EVNT flora and fauna species habitat. 

No introduction of declared pests as a result of Project 

activities. 

Minimise impacts to native vegetation and habitat 

fragmentation. 

Progressive rehabilitation occurs to restore areas 

consistent with pre-disturbance vegetation and 

surrounding ecology and land use. 

Provide suitable soil and landform conditions to 

encourage natural regeneration of native vegetation 

except within those areas required for ongoing 

maintenance and over the buried pipeline. Large trees 

will not be permitted within 5m either side of the 

pipeline. 

The re-establishment of native vegetation will include 

the shrubby understorey and ground cover, providing 

habitat for small ground dwelling fauna species and 

restoration of landscape connectivity. 

Develop and implement an offsets plan for the QCLNG 

Project incorporating the QCLNG GCH. 

Weeds and pests 

To prevent the spread or 

introduction of pest and weed 

species as a results of Project 

activities. 

No increase in abundance or distribution of weed and 

pest species as a result of Project activities. 

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Mosquito and 

biting midge 

Eastern Red Fire 

Ant 

Stock access and 

control 

Surface water 

quality 

Groundwater 

quality and 

availability 

Associated Water 

storage 

Associated Water 

management 

Soil erosion and 

sediment control 

Soil contamination 

To undertake Project activities 

such that potential health impacts 

on Project personnel and nearby 

sensitive receptors arising from 

mosquitoes and biting midges are 

minimised. 

To prevent spread or introduction 

of Eastern Red Fire Ant as a 

result of Project activities. 

To minimise the impact on stock 

movements. 

To minimise the potential impacts 

associated with erosion and to 

prevent the release of 

contaminants that may adversely 

affect downstream surface water 

quality 

To protect the quality of the 

existing groundwater resources 

and not extract groundwater to 

the detriment of other 

groundwater users and 

biodiversity dependent on 

groundwater supplies. 

To minimise the environmental 

impacts related to the storage of 

Associated Water. 

To minimise the environmental 

impacts related to the transfer, 

treatment, release or beneficial 

use of Associated Water. 

To minimise environmental 

impacts caused by soil loss and 

erosion. 

No contamination of soils arising 

from Project activities. 

To manage any pre-existing 

contaminated soils such that 

extent of contamination is not 

exacerbated by Project activities. 

Minimise, where practicable, 

contamination of soils by 

Associated Water. 

Minimise potential mosquito and biting midge breeding 

sites resulting from Project activities. 

No evidence of ERFA on Project sites. 

Where deemed necessary, stock access will be 

restricted from petroleum works sites. 

No stock injured or killed due to Gas Field Activities. 

No complaints from stock farmers 

No release of contaminants to surface waters outside the 

boundary of Project infrastructure. 

No failures of sediment and erosion control techniques 

leading to unacceptable sediment release. 

Groundwater quality not impacted by activities. 

Develop trigger levels for the point at which changes to 

groundwater quality and levels may result in the 

implementation of groundwater management plans. 

Ponds and water storage facilities will be managed in 

accordance with a Ponds Operational Plan Guide (POP 

Guide), Pond Operational Plans (POPs) and the 

Standard Pond Operating Procedures (SPOPs). 

Ponds will be designed and constructed to suitable 

engineering standards. 

No significant unplanned releases of Associated Water. 

No contamination of soils and water outside the footprint 

of storage ponds. 

No significant unplanned releases of Associated Water. 


of brine evaporation ponds or salt disposal facilities. 

Associated Water quality meets Project derived criteria 

specific to each beneficial use. 

Volume and timing of Associated Water utilised for any 

beneficial use will be in accordance with Project derived 

guidelines. 

Erosion and sediment control techniques implemented 

onsite where necessary. 

No failures of sediment and erosion control techniques 

leading to unacceptable sediment release. 

No release of contaminants, hazardous substance or 

dangerous goods to soil. 

Identify all pre-existing contaminated soils likely to be 

impacted by Project activities. 

Where pre-existing contaminated soils are identified, and 

disturbance by Project activities is unavoidable, develop 

and implement appropriate management strategies. 


of water management infrastructure. 

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Landscape and 

character 

maintenance 

Topography 

maintenance 

Waste 

management 

Effluent disposal 

Traffic and 

Transport 

Incidents and 

complaints 

Environmental 

induction and 

ongoing training 

Emergency 

response for 

environmental 

incidents. 

Fire management 

Dangerous goods 

and hazardous 

substances 

Revegetation and 

rehabilitation 

To minimise the impact on 

environmental and community 

values from the location of 

infrastructure. 

To minimise impacts to 

topography. 

To minimise waste generation 

and maximise reuse and recycling 

of waste products. 

To dispose of waste in an 

appropriate manner. 

To release treated effluent and 

manage sewage sludge without 

causing environmental harm. 

To minimise as much as 

practicable potential impacts 

associated with traffic generated 

by the Project. 

To have a process whereby all 

complaints can be lodged and 

responded to in an appropriate 

manner. 

To ensure that all Project 

personnel, including contractors, 

comply with the environmental 

requirements of all tasks. 

To ensure that Project personnel 

can respond effectively and 

efficiently in the event of an 

environmental incident to ensure 

no long-term adverse impacts on 

health, safety or the environment. 

To prevent the initiation of 

bushfires as a result of Project 

Activities. 

To protect Project personnel and 

key Project infrastructure from 

bushfire impacts. 

To protect Project personnel, the 

public and the environment from 

harm due to the transport, storage 

or use of dangerous goods or 

hazardous substances. 

To restore, as far as reasonably 

practicable, land to its pre- 

Respond to all complaints regarding impacts on 

environmental and community values and, where 

feasible, implement mitigation measures. 

Consultation with potentially affected stakeholders. 

Evidence that decision criteria for location of 

infrastructure includes consideration of environmental 

and community values. 

Minimise sediment and erosion release from areas 

where topography is altered. 

Consultation with stakeholders regarding topography 

following decommissioning. 

Where practicable, sites are returned to their original 

profile upon decommissioning. 

No contamination of soil, air or water as a result of 

inappropriate waste management. 

Develop and implement a plan for waste minimisation 

and management. 

All waste disposal to be carried out by a licensed waste 

contractor. 

Waste management practices to not result in loss of 

health to personnel or sensitive receptors. 

Treated effluent meets quality requirements of design 

parameters. 

All sewage sludge is disposed at an appropriate 

sewerage disposal facility. 

Minimal traffic-related complaints and incidents. 

To minimise impacts on road pavements, or where this is 

not practicable, to negotiate appropriate contributions or 

upgrades to road pavement impacts with relevant 

authorities. 

Record all complaints and responses in an incidents and 

complaints register. 

Respond appropriately to all incidents and complaints. 

All personnel undergo site inductions and, where 

necessary, additional training, that address 

environmental requirements of Project activities. 

Full compliance with induction and training procedures. 

Any emergency response addressed in accordance with 

the QGC Emergency Response Plan. 

Nil government notices. 

Develop and implement an Emergency Response Plan 

that includes fire management. 

No unplanned and uncontrolled fires caused by Project 

activities. 

Consultation with all relevant fire management 

authorities. 

No unplanned release of dangerous goods or hazardous 

substances. 

All transport, storage and handling of dangerous goods 

or hazardous substances is performed in accordance 

with applicable legislation, guidelines and standards. 

Prior to clearing, the native vegetation which is present 

will be surveyed as part of pre-clearance surveys to 

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existing condition prior to 

disturbance. 

document such features as the regional ecosystem, 

species composition and condition. 

Analogue sites will be established prior to rehabilitation 

commencing to establish benchmarks for rehabilitation 

for comparison against rehabilitation progress, and to 

verify compliance with performance objectives. Analogue 

sites will be assessed in accordance with the 

BioCondition assessment methodology (version 2.1) 

developed by the DERM. 

Topsoil will be appropriately separated and stockpiled 

and reinstated within one month of completion of all 

construction activities in that area. For watercourses 

which drain an existing and named river, creek or 

tributary (not ephemeral) reinstatement will occur 

immediately post backfill to ensure impacts are 

minimised. 

Re-profiling natural contours and drainage lines to their 

original profile to the greatest extent practicable taking 

into account landscape features and variation. 

No weed species introduced. 

Rehabilitation area stabilised with no significant erosion 

events until the vegetation is self-sustaining and for at 

least the first twelve months. 

Respread felled native vegetation and timber over the 

ROW (but maintaining operational access to the buried 

pipe) to assist natural regeneration and provide habitat 

for ground-dwelling fauna. 

Site specific rehabilitation plans will be prepared by the 

construction contractor based on the above criteria prior 

to rehabilitation commencing. These will address as a 

minimum areas of remnant vegetation and mapped 

MNES ecological communities and potential fauna 

habitats. These site specific rehabilitation plans will 

incorporate a range of aspects important to rehabilitation 

success such as soil type and appropriate vegetation 

and include details regarding site specific rehabilitation 

measures and performance objectives. 

Decommissioning 

To decommission Project facilities 

such that they do not present an 

ongoing environmental risk. 

To plan for decommissioning in 

consultation with relevant 

stakeholders. 

Develop and implement, in consultation with 

stakeholders, a detailed decommissioning plan for all 

facilities prior to the end of their useful life. 

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6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS 

The QCLNG Project draft EIS and supplementary EIS (sEIS) describe, in detail, the environmental values 

of the gas field, potential impacts on environmental values and measures to mitigate impacts. 

EMPs have been prepared based on the findings outlined in Volume 4 of the QCLNG EIS. The 

management plans are consistent with BG Group’s Business Principles for the protection of environmental 

and social values across all the company’s activities, operations and projects. 

6.1 Noise And Vibration 

Environmental Values 

The Gas Collection Header predominantly traverses rural areas, which in general is expected to have low 

background noise levels. The DERM Planning for Noise Control Guideline 2004 states that where 

background noise levels are less than 25 dB(A), a deemed background noise level of 25 dB(A) will apply. In 

accordance with these guidelines, QGC has adopted a deemed background level of 25 dB(A) for rural 

residential areas and a level of 30 dB(A) for urban residential areas. 

Generally all noise impacts associated with the Gas Collection Header will occur during the construction of 

the pipeline. Construction activities will be limited to 12 hours per day. Where construction noise may 

impact on the acoustic environment of residential premises it is usually recommended that construction 

hours be limited to 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 1pm Saturday. Based on the recommended 

noise levels as described in the above mentioned DERM guidelines, QGC has adopted the following noise 

limits for pipeline construction activities: 

• 45 dB(A) between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday 

• 45 dB(A) between 7 am and 1 pm on Saturdays 

• 30 db(A) at all other times. 

Potential Impacts on Environmental Values 

Potential noise impacts associated with the construction and the operation of the pipeline are projected to 

be minor and are expected to remain within the recommended noise limits as prescribed in the DERM 

guidelines. This is expected as the pipeline crosses predominantly rural areas and also as construction 

activities will be restricted to daylight hours wherever possible. 

In the unlikely event that construction activities are required at night near sensitive receptors, these 

activities may be scheduled to occur when they generate the least disruption, or managed through 

negotiation of alternative arrangements with affected stakeholders. 

Construction 

All noise impacts associated with the construction of the pipeline will lead to temporary disturbances (if any) 

to sensitive receptors. Trenching and restoration works are expected to generate the highest noise levels. 

Other sources of noise will be associated with construction camps and traffic movements. 

Vibration impacts which may occur as a result of the pipeline construction activities (excluding blasting) are 

projected to be minimal and therefore would remain predominantly within the 40 m ROW. 

Construction works will occur during daylight hours, except in the following instances, where extended or 

continuous operation may be necessary: 

• Boring or tunnelling for trenchless techniques – once boring or tunnelling has commenced the process 

is continuous to ensure the opening created does not collapse 

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• Water filling of the pipeline and pumping pressure are required for hydrotesting as testing cannot cease 

midway as the pipeline must be maintained at pressure during the testing procedures 

• Works that do not pose an audible disturbance to any residences (i.e. in rural areas well away from 

residences) 

• Transporting plant, equipment and pipe by oversized trucks outside of hours as required by authorities 

for safety reasons – this is a particular requirement for oversized truck movements, which may travel 

outside of daylight hours to minimise potential impacts on traffic movements 

• In an emergency to avoid injury or loss of life, property and/or to prevent environmental harm where 

agreement is reached with local resident(s) to reduce construction duration and/or manage other traffic, 

amenity or disturbance issues 

• Extenuating circumstances which are outside the Project’s control such as long periods of bad weather 

causing delays to the pipeline construction program. 

Operation 

The operating pipeline does not emit any discernible noise. On rare occasions it may be necessary to 

depressurise a section of the pipeline for safety or maintenance reasons. During this time – four to six 

hours – the noise emitted by the gas release will be in the vicinity of 130 dB(A) at the point of release, and 

the noise will be audible over a distance of 6 km to 10 km. Depressurisation would occur at main line valve 

and scraper station locations. Special procedures will be implemented to manage this event should it be 

necessary. 

Noise and Vibration Management Plans 

Table 6.1: Noise and Vibration Management Plan (Construction) 

Noise and Vibration Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To construct in a manner that minimises the impact of noise and vibrations on surrounding 

Policy 

residences and industry. 

Performance 

Criteria 

Implementation 

Strategy 

Monitoring and 

Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• No exceedence of Project derived noise criteria at sensitive receptors. 

• Responded to all noise-related complaints received from residents and landholders and 

implement mitigation measures. 

• Consultation with potentially affected sensitive receptors. 

• High noise events such as blasting will be scheduled during times of least impact to the 

local community. 

• Community to be given adequate notice of any scheduled atypical noise events. 

• Any blasting to be carried out in accordance with relevant State legislation. 

• A plan will be prepared before blasting activities begin, giving consideration to potential airblast 

pressure and vibration and including mitigation measures. 

• Equipment will be fitted with noise-control devices. 

• Campsites, offices and stockpile sites to be located a sufficient distance from residences to 

limit noise impacts. 

• Landholder complaints relating to noise and vibration will be recorded and closed out by the 

Environmental Manager or delegate. 

• Noise surveys at relevant local residences will be undertaken at the request of the 

administering authority. 

• The method of measurement and reporting will be conducted in accordance with the DERM 

Noise Measurement Manual and/or AS 1055. 

• The owner and construction contractor will maintain records of all monitoring and auditing 

activities and report results to the Environmental Manager at agreed intervals. 

• Recommendations and corrective actions arising from audits and reviews will be 

implemented. 

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Noise and Vibration Management Plan (Construction) 

• Routine work reports will be recorded and reviewed by each supervisor or manager. 

• All incidents that deviate from normal operating conditions will be reported and action 

initiated (including reporting to relevant agencies where this is warranted/required) by the 

owner and construction contractor to prevent a recurrence of the incident. 

• Non-compliance and incident reports will be reviewed and closed out by senior 

management. 

Table 6.2: Noise and Vibration Management Plan (Operation) 

Noise and Vibration Management Plan (Operation) 

Management 

Policy 

To operate in a manner that minimises the impact of noise and vibrations on surrounding 

residences and industry. 

Performance • No exceedence of Project derived noise criteria at sensitive receptors. 

Objectives • Responded to all noise-related complaints received from residents and landholders and 




Strategy 

• Notify adjacent landholders of timing and duration prior to any maintenance activities 

creating excess noise along the ROW. 

• Schedule, where possible, unavoidable loud noise activities (e.g. planned venting, pipeline 

blowdown) at times that will minimise nuisance to surrounding landholders. 

• Notify landholders in advance of unavoidable loud noise activities where practicable. 

• Notify local residents, landholders and affected industries of any planned venting. 

Monitoring • Landholder complaints relating to noise and vibration will be recorded and closed out by the 


• Noise surveys at relevant local residences will be undertaken at the request of the 

administering authority. 

• The method of measurement and reporting will be conducted in accordance with the DERM 

Noise Measurement Manual and/or AS 1055. 

Reporting And 

Corrective 

Action 

• Complaints relating to noise will be addressed promptly, with further investigations and 

reporting to the DERM if required. 

• Routine work reports with maintenance records will be recorded and reviewed by each 

supervisor or manager. 

• All works that deviate from normal operating conditions will be reported and action initiated 

(including reporting to relevant agencies where this is warranted/required) to prevent a 

recurrence of the incident. 

• Non-compliance and incident reports will be reviewed and closed out by senior 

management. 

• Regular reviews, recommendations and corrective actions shall be implemented. 

6.2 Air Quality and Dust 


The Project environmental objective for air quality is to preserve ambient air quality to the extent that 

ecological health, public amenity or safety is maintained. 

The air quality standards that have been considered during this assessment include: 

• Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 (EPP Air) 

• National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (NEPM Air) 

• BG Group corporate global air quality standards. 

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QGC will not exceed air quality objectives as set by the EPP Air, NEPM Air or the BG Group air quality 

standard. In general, the company standards are more stringent than the air quality objectives set by EPP 

Air and the NEPM Air. 


Construction 

The construction earthworks and associated vehicle movements are likely to generate dust particularly 

during dry, windy weather conditions. No other major air contaminants are predicted to result as pipeline 

construction in high risk areas, such as rail lines, will be done using trenchless techniques. 

Any impacts associated with dust generation are likely to be more adverse in areas located in proximity to 

sensitive receptors such as urban areas or residences. However, with the implementation of mitigation 

strategies, see Table 6.3 and 6.4, it is expected that dust concentrations within these sensitive areas will 

remain within acceptable limits. 

Operation 

Operation of the pipelines will generate air emissions from the following sources: 

• Dust from ongoing management of the pipelines’ ROW 

• Vented CSG from the pipelines. 

• Dust generated during operations will be minimal in comparison to construction. Dust concentrations 

and fallout are expected to be within acceptable limits. 

Hydrocarbon emissions from venting at various stages along the pipelines are likely to consist almost solely 

of unburnt CSG for which no air quality objectives have been published. Vented CSG is comprised of 

approximately 97% Methane. Although Methane is not a risk to air quality it is a known Greenhouse Gas. 

For further information about Greenhouse Gas emissions refer the section below Table 6.5. 

Air Quality and Dust Management Plans 

Table 6.3: Air Quality and Dust Management Plan (Construction) 

Air Quality and Dust Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To construct and operate in a manner that minimizes impacts on ambient air quality. 

Policy 

Performance • No exceedence of Project derived air quality criteria at sensitive receptors. 

Criteria 


• Respond to all complaints on air quality. 


Strategy 


Auditing 

• Vehicles and machinery to be fitted with appropriate exhaust systems and devices. Such 

devices will be maintained in good working order. 

• Drive on unsealed surfaces, adjacent to residences, at speeds to minimise dust generation. 

• Haul roads to be well maintained. 

• Watering of the ROW, access tracks and topsoil stockpiles on an as-required basis to 

minimise the potential for environmental nuisance due to dust. 

• Soil stockpiles to be kept as low as possible. 

• Watering frequency will be increased during periods of high risk (e.g. high winds). 

• The potential for generation of bulldust will be reduced through management and control 

(e.g. watering, mulching cleared vegetation to provide a stable surface). 

• Community to be notified and consulted about scheduled construction activity likely to 

generate dust. 

• Avoid smoke generation, with a strict no-burning policy. 

• Fire control procedures in welding operations. 

• Visual checks of dust emissions, particularly during windy/dry periods. 

• Water construction sites and access roads on an as-required basis (e.g. persistent dust 

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Air Quality and Dust Management Plan (Construction) 

emissions). 

• Visual evidence of defective exhausts, and subsequent repair of relevant construction 

vehicle by contractor. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 




implemented. 

• Routine work reports will be recorded and reviewed by each supervisor or manager. 

• All incidents that deviate from normal operating conditions will be reported and action 

initiated (including reporting to relevant agencies where this is warranted/required) by the 

owner and construction contractor to prevent a recurrence of the incident. 

• Non-compliance and incident reports will be reviewed and closed out by senior management. 

Table 6.4: Air Quality and Dust Management Plan (Operation) 

Air Quality and Dust Management Plan (Operation) 


Policy 

To operate the pipeline and associated facilities in a manner that maintains ambient air quality 

of the area. 

Performance • No exceedence of Project derived air quality criteria at sensitive receptors. 

Objectives • Consultation with potentially affected sensitive receptors. 

• Respond to all complaints on air quality. 


strategy 

• Minimise maintenance activities requiring purging of gas, and conduct under favourable 

weather conditions to facilitate rapid atmospheric dispersion. 

• Undertake leakage detection surveys at flanges at regular intervals to detect fugitive gas 

emissions. 

• Repair any detected leaks as a high priority. 

• Ensure vehicles and machinery exhaust systems are maintained in good working order. 

• Water sites and access roads for large excavation, construction or clearing works, as 

required. 

• Venting, for commissioning or emergency situations, will be at appropriately located 

valves. 

Monitoring • Gas will be metered prior to entering the pipeline using proven metering systems. 

• Monitoring of compressor station air emissions through manual sample points within six 

months of commissioning and every two years of operation. 

• Leak-detection surveys at flanges. 

• Monitoring of pipeline pressure. 

• Estimate and record volume of any gas vented. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Landholder complaints will be recorded and action taken. 

• Non-Compliance and Incident Reporting will be undertaken by Operations Management to 

ensure prompt rectification and, if required, initiation of changes to system. 

Greenhouse Gases 

The main Greenhouse Emissions Sources for the construction of the Gas Collection Header will be 

associated with truck movements for pipe deliveries/construction of campsites and personnel movements. 

QGC is committed to minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through continual 

improvement and technologies. It is committed to: 

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• Developing a Greenhouse Gas Management Plan 

• Implementing an auditing and reporting program (including auditing and reporting requirements under 

the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System and the potential Carbon Pollution Reduction 

Scheme) through QGC’s annual internal performance reporting 

• Project commitments relating to minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions 

through continual improvement and technological developments. 

6.3 Climate Extremes And Climate Change 


Climate variability and climate change issues can potentially impact on the design life of the project as well 

as significantly alter the conditions in which the Gas Collection Header and associated infrastructure 

operates. Accordingly, infrastructure design is adapting to changes in rainfall patterns, changes in 

atmospheric temperature variation and increased intensity of storm events. 

Climate Extremes and Climate Change Management Plan 

Table 6.5: Climate Extremes and Climate Change Management Plan 

Climate Extremes and Climate Change Management Plan 

Management Climate extremes and future climate change do not adversely impact Project infrastructure. 

Policy 

Performance 

Objectives 

Engineering design of Project infrastructure includes consideration of climate extremes and 

climate change. 


strategy 

• Pipelines will be buried deep enough and adequately weighted down to prevent exposure 

during flood events or damage as a result of surface erosion from flooding. 

• Pipeline routes will be subject to a visual inspection following significant rainfall or floods to 

ensure that the pipeline cover and any associated infrastructure is intact and has not been 

damaged. 

• Revegetation strategies will include the selection of drought-tolerant grass species for 

stabilisation purposes. 

• Strategies to mitigate impacts from extreme climate events and climate change include: 

o providing wet weather access to all construction sites 

o reduction, where appropriate, of construction activities during wet weather 

o sediment and erosion controls will be designed and implemented to cope with high 

rainfall events 

o ensuring adequate dust, sediment and erosion management 

o monitoring short- and longer-term weather predictions 

o ensuring pipelines are buried deep enough to not be affected during flooding events 

o developing and implementing emergency response plans for extreme events including 

fires and flooding 

o ensuring that all personnel are aware of and have rehearsed emergency response 

measures in the event of flooding, fire and cyclones 

o Consideration of trenchless techniques, such as HDD, at major river crossings to 

avoid risks associated with flood waters and to maintain stability of crossing area. 

Monitoring • Engineering designs of Project infrastructure include considerations of climate extremes 

and climate change. 

• Audit of construction methods in accordance with engineering design that includes 

consideration of climatic extremes and climate change. 

• Record all instances of failure of Project infrastructure caused by climatic extremes. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• All activities impacted by extreme weather will need to be re-assessed in light of any 

failures resulting in environmental impacts. 

• All damage to pipeline infrastructure will be recorded and any actions to remediate sites will 

be recorded. 

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6.4 Visual Amenity And Lighting 


The majority of the area traversed by the Gas Collection Header has been highly modified by agricultural 

and grazing activities. The landscape within the view shed also has many elements of existing 

infrastructure such as roads, railways, transmission lines, communication towers, power lines, existing CSG 

infrastructure and power stations. Man modified landscapes are sources of lighting. 

Undisturbed landscapes, which have a reduced capacity to absorb changes to the landscapes, include 

state forests and remnant vegetation. 

The majority of the pipelines will be underground with only scraper stations, meter stations, MLVs and 

marker posts being the key aboveground elements. When the in-line compressor is required on the Gas 

Collection Header this will be the largest aboveground facility. In summary there are limited above-ground 

components associated with construction of the Gas Collection Header. 


The key visual characteristics of the pipelines fall into two categories: 

• Temporary changes associated with construction 

• Long-term changes associated with vegetation removal and the presence of above-ground 

infrastructure 

Construction 

Due to the presence of vehicles, trucks and earthmoving equipment, the ROW may be visible during the 

construction phase. This will be a temporary visual impact on the landscape. However, there will also be a 

visual impact associated with the removal of existing vegetation in some areas of the proposed ROW. 

For pipeline corridors (i.e. the ROW), the visual impact associated with construction may also be more 

apparent from elevated viewing locations or across open areas with little or no intervening vegetation. This 

is because elevated viewing locations may be able to see longer sections of the ROW and the screening 

effect of vegetation is less apparent than when viewed from flatter or vegetated areas. 

The location of the ROW will be more obvious where existing vegetation is removed prior to rehabilitation of 

the easement. The impact will diminish as rehabilitation works take effect. The ROW is likely to be more 

obvious in forested areas due to the loss of tall vegetation. 

There will minimal visibility of the ROW from major roads which occur in proximity to the Gas Collection 

Header route. Where a pipeline runs parallel to the roads, once the route is rehabilitated the easement has 

the appearance of a widened road reserve and creates little visual impact. 

Although there will be some views from highways, the overall impact is considered to be negligible due to 

the predominantly low landscape sensitivity and limited viewing opportunities afforded by topography and 

vegetation. Visibility from minor roads, which have far fewer users than the highways and main roads, is 

sometimes restricted by roadside vegetation. It is considered that the visual impact will be minor-tonegligible 

from these locations partly as the viewer numbers are low, but also because this rural landscape 

can absorb further change. Intersections with roads are normally less visible due to short interaction with 

the road easement. 

There will be no visual impact on townships and minimal visibility from other settlements or residential 

dwellings in the area. 

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During construction, there may be limited instances of construction activities occurring at night and 

therefore requiring lighting. These instances will be limited in duration at any one location. 

Operation 

The only visual impacts during operation will be from scraper stations, meter stations, MLVs and marker 

posts. These latter items must be at distances such that they can be seen one from the other for safety 

requirements under Australian Standard 2885. 

The only other visual amenity impacts that may arise during operations may be the lower canopy of the 

rehabilitating vegetation in the ROW. These impacts may be more evident where the pipeline traversed tall 

forests. 

Visual Amenity and Lighting Management Plan 

Table 6.6: Visual Amenity and Lighting Management Plan 

Visual Amenity and Lighting Management Plan 

Policy 

To minimise impacts on visual amenity associated with the pipeline. 

To reduce as much as practicable lighting impacts on sensitive receptors. 

Performance 

criteria 

• Respond to all complaints regarding visual amenity and lighting and, where feasible, 




strategy 


auditing 

Reporting and 

corrective 

action 

• Route selection that ensures watercourse crossings and camps are located at an 

appropriate distance from residents. 

• Consultation with landowners and neighbouring occupiers in relation to the location of 

camps. 

• Lighting will be installed with reference to AS 4282-1997 Control of obtrusive effects of 

outdoor lighting. 

• Visual amenity will be monitored from potentially affected viewsheds. 

• Landholder complaints relating to lighting will be recorded and closed out by the 


• Complaints relating to visual amenity and lighting will be addressed promptly, with further 

investigations and reporting to the DERM if required. 

• In response to DERM and or community concerns, appropriate remedies will be assessed in 

order to minimise potential impacts. 

6.5 Flora And Fauna 


Pre-clearance surveys were undertaken in 2010 and 2011 along the entire Pipeline RoW and associated 

Camp and Pipe Laydown areas by suitably qualified ecologists approved by DSEWPC. As a result those 

EVNT flora species and threatened ecological communities (TECs) that do and do not occur within the 

RoW can be stated with confidence. The pre-clearance surveys also ground-truthed and verified the 

presence and extent of Endangered and Of Concern Regional Ecosystems (REs) within the RoW. The 

ground-truthed REs have been reflected in the mapping prepared for the QCLNG Pipeline Significant 

Species Management Plan (SSMP). DERM mapping has been used for Least Concern REs. 

The Gas Collection Header Pipeline will require the clearing of one threatened ecological community (TEC) 

listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 

Act), namely, Brigalow woodland/open forest community. This ecological community is represented by 

Regional Ecosystems (RE) 11.4.3 and 11.9.5 and occurs in small sections between kilometre posts (KP) 40 

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- 90. Based on pre-clearance surveys undertaken by Unidel ecologists within the 40m wide Gas Collection 

Header ROW between May and August 2010, a maximum area of 2.52ha of Brigalow TEC will be cleared. 

Field assessment indicates that where the pipeline actually intersects a number of mapped REs the 

vegetation is mostly cleared and degraded and contains Buffel Grass. 

Two Of Concern REs occur along the Gas Collection Header Pipeline (i.e. REs 11.3.2 and 11.3.4) totalling 

an area of 1.52ha. These communities occur as a mosaic within riparian vegetation at three locations 

transected by the proposed alignment (i.e. Wambo Creek at KP 61.2, the Condamine River at KP 66.8 and 

Columboola Creek at KP 88.4). Two TECs have been identified on the GCH being Brigalow and the 

Coolibah – Black Box Woodland. The Coolibah – Black Box Woodland TEC was recorded in an area 

adjacent to the Condamine River (between KP 68 and KP 69 which will be avoided as a result of horizontal 

directional drilling being used in this area. Up to 2.52 ha of Brigalow will be cleared. 

There are 21 endangered EVNT flora species under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC 

Act) known to occur in, or have ranges that overlap, with the Gas Collection Header Pipeline corridor. 

These species and their preferred habitats were targeted during pre-clearance surveys of the ROW by 

qualified ecologists. 

Two EVNT flora species have been confirmed during pre-clearance surveys for the Gas Collection Header. 

These include Philotheca sporadica which is listed as Vulnerable under both the EPBC Act and the NC Act 

and has been recorded between KPs 23 and 24. The second species is Gonocarpus urceolatus which is 

listed as Vulnerable under the NC Act and has been recorded at numerous locations along the Gas 

Collection Header. QGC have obtained the necessary approvals from DERM and Department of 

Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) to clear these species within 

the ROW. 

Database searches identified 17 EVNT fauna species (under the EPBC Act and/or the NC Act), 11 of which 

were considered to potentially occur in the area. 

None of these EVNT fauna species were recorded in the vicinity of the Gas Collection Header Pipeline 

during field surveys. 

The proposed alignment traverses cleared grazing country, vegetated land, several ephemeral 

watercourses and the Braemar State Forest. Fauna habitats on most rural lands and roadside verges are 

fragmented and substantially degraded. However, some areas, particularly riparian zones, have significant 

fauna habitat values with a relatively high percentage of hollow-bearing trees, moderate to dense levels of 

understorey vegetation and ground logs. In particular, the Gas Collection Header Pipeline traverses the 

Braemar State Forest between KPs 0.6-11. This area is considered to function as a fauna refuge area due 

to its large size, limited fragmentation and the rarity of weed infestations. 

The aquatic environment occurring along the proposed alignment is limited to a number of ephemeral 

watercourses including Kogan Creek (KP 9.5), Wambo Creek (KPs 44 and 61.2), Columboola Creek (KP 

88.4) and the Condamine River (KP 66.5). A small number of common aquatic plants including Cyperus 

spp. and Fimbristylis dichotoma were observed within and on the margins of these aquatic habitats. 


Construction 

The principal impact on flora and fauna will be the clearing of native vegetation on easements for pipelines. 

For each regional ecosystem conservation status, Table 6. presents the potential worst case vegetation 

clearing and the potential impacts of clearing within a local and bioregional perspective. 

Table 6.7: Worst Case Vegetation Clearing Areas 

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RE/Ecological 

Community 

Status 

Clearing 

Extents 

(ha) 

Extent 

within 10 

km (ha) 

% of that 

within 10 

km to be 

cleared 

Extent in 

bioregion 

% of that 

within 

Bioregion to 

be cleared 

EPBC listed1 2.52 467 0.06 76,888





Significant Species Management Plans (SSMPs) have been prepared to assist QGC and the Construction 

Contractor manage the environmental impacts upon Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) and EVNT 

species listed under the EPBC Act and NC Act during construction, operation and decommissioning phases 

of the Project. The SSMPs have been prepared in accordance with the Project Development Approval 

Conditions set by DSEWPC, Queensland Coordinator-General and DERM. The QCLNG Pipeline SSMP 

(QCLNG-BG00-ENV-RPT-000002) outlines the general management procedures to be implemented, 

including what will occur if any new EVNT species are identified, and specific management and mitigation 

measures to be adopted for each species and community. 

Mapping of the actual presence of TECs and EVNT flora species (verified through pre-clearance surveys 

undertaken by Unidel qualified ecologists approved by DSEWPC) is provided in the QCLNG Pipeline 

SSMP. Mapping of ‘potential habitat’ for MNES along the RoW, based on desktop analysis utilising the 

Unidel verified Endangered and Of Concern REs, and DERM Least Concern REs have been prepared. 

Potential habitat maps are provided within each individual SSMP and quantification of impacts for each 

MNES has been provided for the Gas Collection Header and Export Pipeline. 

The following process will be implemented by the Construction Contractor and QGC to document and verify 

the disturbance to MNES prior to, and after, clearing: 

• Environmental Constraints Maps (ECMs) will be prepared to cover all clearance areas. As well as 

incorporating information on a range of environmental aspects relevant to the construction team, the 

ECMs will incorporate information obtained from the pre-clearance surveys including the location of 

any identified MNES including known MNES breeding/habitat areas. 

• Field Environment Officers will undertake a ‘pre-construction walkthrough’ to inspect the proposed 

disturbance areas at least five business days prior to clearing to identify any significant 

environmental features, including those areas mapped on the ECMs, and ensure those areas are 

appropriately flagged or fenced off where they can be avoided or lie adjacent to the clearing area; 

Any EVNT flora species which may be identified but have not been recorded in the pre-clearance 

surveys and captured on the ECMs will be recorded on a Flora Survey Form and managed in 

accordance with relevant regulatory requirements. 

• During the ‘pre-construction walkthrough’ the Field Environment Officer will also refer to the SSMPs 

of the potential and confirmed MNES, to identify from the potential habitat mapping where the areas 

of higher likelihood for encountering MNES are located and to ensure any other additional mitigation 

measures are implemented 

• Any confirmed MNES or identified potential or actual MNES habitat areas, as well as other 

significant environmental features which are not contained on the ECMs will be recorded in a pre 

construction Verification Checklist, which is used to ensure the construction team is apprised of the 

latest details within the clearance area including relevant environmental aspects. For any newly 

identified MNES to be impacted by the Pipeline which are not already identified in the Pipeline 

SSMP, a new SSMP will be prepared and provided to DSEWPC for approval prior to clearing 

commencing at that location. 

• Following the Pre-construction walkthrough undertaken by the Environmental Field Officers, and 

within 24 hours prior to clearing, licensed Fauna Spotter Catchers will inspect the clearance areas 

for fauna species and breeding places and will be present at the time of clearing. All fauna including 

any MNES or NC Act species, which are identified, relocated or injured by the clearing process will 

be recorded on a Fauna Survey form and reported to the regulators in line with reporting 

procedures. 

• Relevant details recorded on the pre-construction Verification Checklist will then be updated onto 

the ECMs, which as well as being a tool to identify environmental constraints to be observed during 

43 of 89





the construction process, are intended as a means of documenting disturbance to EPBC and NC 

Act listed flora, communities and species habitats. 

• The areas of confirmed TEC and NC Act Regional Ecosystems (RE) within the ROW which are 

contained within the ECM datasets will then be used to accurately calculate the disturbance areas 

for these listed flora, communities and species habitats. A summary register will be prepared to 

capture total clearing areas for each confirmed EVNT flora species, TEC and RE within the ROW 

and any confirmed actual MNES habitat areas and will also include any additional areas which may 

be cleared outside of the ROW. 

• This process for the calculation of disturbance areas will be audited as part of routine project audits 

and in accordance with State and Federal regulatory requirements. 

Due to limited availability of actual MNES habitat data, potential habitat areas may also be used in the 

calculation of offsets for MNES species. In order to provide more accurate potential habitat estimates than 

those provided by the desktop assessment, additional targeted ecological surveys may be undertaken to 

verify the presence of MNES or NC Act species within the areas identified as potential habitat through the 

desktop assessment. Further details on this process are provided in the QCLNG Pipeline SSMP. 

Operation 

During the operational phase of pipelines, easements will, as far as reasonably practicable, be rehabilitated 

to their pre-disturbance condition. 

Flora and Fauna Protection Management Plans 

Table 6.8: Flora and Fauna Protection Management Plan (Construction) 

Flora and Fauna Protection Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To minimise impacts on the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna as a result of Project 

Policy 

activities. 

Progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas where practicable. 

Performance 

Criteria 


Strategy 

• Avoid, where practicable, areas of EVNT flora species and the habitat of EVNT fauna. 

• No unauthorized clearing of native vegetation. 

• Permits and approvals in place for any unavoidable disturbance of EVNT flora and fauna 

species. 

• No introduction of declared pests as a result of Project activities. 

• Develop and implement an environmental offsets strategy. 

• Minimise impacts to native vegetation and on habitat fragmentation. 

• Progressive rehabilitation is consistent with the pre-clearance vegetation, surrounding areas 

ecology and pre-disturbed land use. 

• No remnant vegetation is cleared outside the ROW for temporary work areas (as per the 

Environmental Authority conditions). 

• Ensure DERM Forestry Products have been consulted in relation to extraction of millable 

timber. 

• Potential habitat will be identified on site using potential habitat mapping prepared for each 

MNES species and contained within the individual SSMPs. 

• As part of construction pre-start checks and completion of the Verification Checklist, Field 

Environment Officers will inspect the proposed disturbance areas at least five business days 

prior to clearing to identify any significant environmental features (including those areas 

mapped on Environmental Constraint Maps as TECs and ‘potential’ habitat for MNES species 

included in the SSMPs) and ensure those areas are appropriately flagged or fenced off where 

they can be avoided or lie adjacent to the clearing area. 

• Ensure all clearing widths are clearly marked in the field prior to clearing works and at least 

10km in front of any clear and grade activities. A Maximum ROW width of 40m is to be 

implemented. 

• Where practicable, minimise the width of the ROW to 30m where adjacent to environmentally 

44 of 89






sensitive areas, including known habitat for EVNT species where identified on Environmental 

Constraints Maps and in riparian and micro habitat areas. Avoid areas of remnant brigalow 

and where not possible, minimise impact. Note: Pre-clearing surveys indicate that disturbance 

of approximately 2.52ha of brigalow is unavoidable within the GCH ROW. Additional walk 

through inspections will be undertaken within the ROW and for construction activity areas 

outside the ROW prior to clear and grade activities to identify these locations and minimise 

the extent of clearing wherever practicable. 

• Avoid all Semi-evergreen Vine Thicket (SEVT) areas. Note: A Pipeline alignment has been 

adopted where there will be no impact to SEVT areas in accordance with Condition E 21 of 

Environmental Authority PEN100953310. 

• If clearing in DERM-mapped wetland areas occurs, impact monitoring is to be implemented, 

which may include (as appropriate) surface water quality monitoring as well as targeted preand/or 

post-clearance ecological surveys. All impact monitoring shall be documented. 

• Avoid the destruction of mature riparian trees unless presence compromises safe 

construction. 

• No clearing of remnant vegetation, or areas of MNES, shall be undertaken for construction 

camps, additional work areas or vehicle access tracks. If any areas outside the ROW are 

identified for work areas pre-clearance surveys will be carried out to ensure they do not 

impact on environmentally sensitive areas and MNES. 

• No disturbance of protected species without relevant permit. 

• Flag individual significant plant species (including habitat trees) within the easement that must 

be avoided during construction. 

• Construction of physical barriers around significant vegetation areas in order to restrict 

access and avoid disturbance. The type and extent of physical barriers will take account of 

the significant vegetation to be protected, level of protection required, as well as potential 

impacts on native fauna access and egress. Flagging tape (black and yellow) will be used to 

identify any Environmentally Sensitive Areas including vegetation to be retained on the ROW 

and any other laydown or storage areas. This coloured tape is in accordance with Pipeline 

Industry Code of Compliance. All such vegetation protection will be undertaken in accordance 

with the Australian Standard for Protection of Trees on a Construction Site where applicable. 

• The Field Environment Officer will also ensure any other additional mitigation measures are 

implemented in accordance with the SSMP. 

• Spotter catchers will inspect the areas proposed for clearing for fauna species and breeding 

places prior to clearing and details of identified, relocated or injured fauna will be recorded in 

in the Fauna Survey Form. Any, breeding places or confirmed habitat will be recorded in the 

pre-construction Verification Checklist for updating on the ECMs and will be managed in 

accordance with the SSMP procedures; 

• Any EVNT flora species which may be identified but have not been recorded in the preclearance 

surveys and captured on the ECMs will be recorded on a Flora Survey Form and 

managed in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements.; 

• Details of cleared TECs, EVNT flora species and REs will be updated into the ECMs and then 

into a summary register of vegetation disturbance areas. 

• For any new confirmed MNES to be impacted by the Pipeline not already identified in the 

Pipeline SSMP, a new SSMP will be prepared and provided to DSEWPC for approval. 

• Following clearing, the ECMs and the summary register of vegetation disturbance areas will 

be updated to enable accurate calculation of the areas of disturbance for monitoring of 

compliance with approval conditions and calculation of offset requirements, 

• No burning of felled vegetation or deliberate lighting of fires. Rather, the felled vegetation 

should be stick raked into piles and left for redistribution to provide animal habitat and to 

assist in revegetation and erosion control. This will further encourage regrowth within these 

communities, as well as minimise weed infestations. Vegetation shall not be pushed into 

gullies, waterways or other drainage lines or into Brigalow TEC or RE areas or other MNES 

areas. 

• Whilst construction will be year round, where construction occurs outside of the driest 

months, additional trench surveillance will be undertaken, when reptiles and amphibians are 

least active and conditions are most favourable for minimising mortality in the trench. 

• Qualified spotter catchers will be used to survey, record and relocate wildlife immediately 

prior to and during clearing and trenching activities. 

• Trenching to occur progressively to minimise the period of time trenches are open, as well as 

45 of 89






their length. Any one continual length of open trench will not exceed 15km and the maximum 

cumulative amount of open trench from different work fronts will not exceed more than 40km 

of open trench at any one time. Open trenching works will last for a duration of approximately 

6 weeks at any one location due to the nature of associated hydro-testing requirements for 

the pipe. 

• Install fauna escape ramps or ladders in all open-trench areas along pipelines. 

• Maintain contact details for qualified veterinarian staff who can assess, treat or euthanise (as 

necessary) any large native vertebrates. 

• Ensure no permanent barrier to fish movement at any stage of the Project. Note: Review of 

the design drawings indicates that there will be no permanent structure above creek bed 

level. Any temporary creek crossing works will be undertaken in accordance with the following 

DERM and DEEDI documents to prevent impacts on any State and Federally listed species: 

• DEEDI Code – Temporary waterway barrier works; 

• DEEDI Code – Self-assessable development minor waterway barrier works (Sept 

2010); and 

• DERM Guideline – activities in a watercourse, lake or spring associated with 

mining operations (v2). 

• Strict no-weapons and no-pets policy for workforce. 

• All vehicles to remain on designated access roads and tracks and within defined pipeline 

construction area and associated work/camp sites. 

• Vehicle movements are not permitted at night without express authorisation from the site 

manager. Vehicle operation hours will be 6 am - 6 pm (maximum 12 hours per day), 7 days a 

week. This will be monitored through in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) on all vehicles. If 

night driving is required along the ROW it will be at 20km/hr for safety reasons and to 

minimise the likelihood of hitting fauna species. 

• During standard operating hours (6am-6pm) vehicles will travel along the ROW at appropriate 

speeds that minimise environmental risks. Speed limits will be defined for, and signposted on 

the verge of, specific sections of unsealed access tracks and along the ROW. Speed limits 

will be dependent on the nature of the particular track section and relevant Project HSSE 

requirements. The standard speed limit is 40km/hr and in environmentally sensitive areas 

(including those areas mapped as potential habitat in the SSMP) it will be reduced to 20km/hr 

to minimise the likelihood of hitting fauna species. 

• Specific mitigation measures will be implemented where required by species specific SSMPs. 

• Existing roads and tracks will be utilised for access where practicable. 

• All land disturbed by the pipeline will be rehabilitated to its pre-disturbance land use and 

suitability class. The re-establishment of native vegetation will primarily be through managing 

natural regeneration and will include shrubby understorey and ground cover to provide habitat 

for ground dwelling fauna and restoration of landscape connectivity. Further details pertaining 

to the method of rehabilitation, monitoring and performance outcomes are included in the 

Pipeline SSMP and future site specific rehabilitation plans are to be prepared by the 

Construction Contractor in consultation with landowners and QGC prior to rehabilitation 

commencing. 

• Spreading of cleared vegetation, logs, hollows and dead timber across the disturbed areas 

within woodland fauna habitats will be carried out immediately after disturbance to facilitate 

small ground-fauna movement. 

• Bare vehicle tracks will be minimised following the rehabilitation of the corridor postconstruction. 

• Environmental Offset Initiatives will be implemented in accordance with the QCLNG Pipeline 

Offsets Plan. 


Auditing 

• Where construction is required in the vicinity of watercourses mitigation measures as detailed 

in the QCLNG Pipeline Aquatic Values Management Plan (AVMP) (QCLNG-BG00-ENV-RPT- 

000009) will be implemented. The overall intent of the AVMP is to provide an assessment of 

aquatic values at watercourse crossings along the Pipeline ROW and to outline the mitigation 

measures which shall be implemented to minimise impacts to these aquatic values, in 

particular MNES. 

• During construction, the entire length of the ROW and associated work areas will be regularly 

inspected to assess the effectiveness of protection measures with particular attention to flora 

46 of 89






and fauna protection and management. 

• Specific measures from SSMPs applicable to confirmed species or TECs will be 

implemented. 

• Throughout construction, the entire length of the open trench will be inspected twice daily 

(morning and evening) by approved spotter catchers. 

• The construction contractor’s spotter-catchers will use a Fauna Survey Form to record all 

fauna survey, removal and relocation activities. This fauna survey sheet shall include the 

following information: the date, location, weather conditions, name of the spotter catcher, 

scientific and common species names, the number of species and the actions - such as 

relocation, treatment, death. This information shall be retained as part of the construction 

team environmental records and provided to DERM on a three monthly basis as a Return of 

Operations form in accordance with Damage Mitigation Permit requirements. Any injuries or 

deaths to vertebrates will also be reported to DERM within 24 hours. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• The ECMs and a summary register of vegetation disturbance areas will be updated after 

clearing, to document the regional ecosystems, TECs and listed flora species impacted and 

enable calculation of disturbance areas. This summary register will specify the nature of the 

listed vegetation or listed species habitat type, the areas cleared and the location.. 

• The Fauna Survey Form, and the process and documentation used for capture and 

calculation of vegetation disturbance areas will be audited as part of routine project audits 

and in accordance with State and Federal regulatory requirements. 

• The process used to calculate disturbance to MNES habitat for offsetting purposes is detailed 

in the Pipeline SSMP and will also be included in the routine project audits. 

• Environmental Offset initiatives will be audited against objectives established in the QCLNG 

Pipeline Offsets Plan. 

• Conditions of the Environmental Authority (EA) require that a third party audit be conducted 

for compliance with EA conditions on an annual basis. 



• All clearing and impacts will be recorded by the construction contractor and maintained in an 

appropriate registers. Therefore all pipeline approved disturbed limits will be monitored and 

complied with. Any additional impacts that may be required will be reported to the relevant 

government regulators and approved. 

• Information gathered on the number and varieties of fauna removed from trenches will be 

presented to the relevant authorities in the State (e.g. Queensland Museum). 

• Offset Audits will be reported annually. Actions to address failed objectives will be developed, 

implemented and reviewed as part of the annual audit process. 


implemented. 

• Routine work reports will be recorded and reviewed by each supervisor or manager 

• All incidents that deviate from normal operating conditions will be reported to the 

Environmental Manager and corrective action initiated by the owner and construction 

contractor to prevent a recurrence of the incident 

• Reporting to the relevant agencies where this is warranted/required will be carried out by the 

Environmental Manager. 

• Non-compliance and incident reports will be reviewed and closed out by the owner. 

Table 6.9: Flora and Fauna Protection Management Plan (Operation) 

Flora and Fauna Protection Management Plan (Operation) 

Management To minimise impacts on the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna as a result of Project 

Policy 

activities. 

Progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas where practicable. 

Performance 

Objectives 

• Avoid, where practicable, clearing of EVNT flora species and the habitat of EVNT fauna. 

• No unauthorised clearing of native vegetation. 

• Permits and approvals in place for any unavoidable disturbance of EVNT flora and fauna 

47 of 89





Flora and Fauna Protection Management Plan (Operation) 

species. 

• No introduction of declared pests as a result of Project activities. 

• Minimise impacts to native vegetation and on habitat fragmentation. 

• Progressive rehabilitation is consistent with the surrounding area and land use post 

restoration. 


Strategy 

• Inspect condition of revegetation on ROW during regular surveys and patrols. 

• Implement and maintain weed management strategy (refer to Section 6.6). 

• Restrict clearing of vegetation to large vegetation regrowth occurring within the three metres 

of the pipeline centreline. 

• Stockpile topsoil and subsoil separately where excavation is to be undertaken, to maintain 

grass seed stock and re-spread once the pipeline trench has been filled in. Stockpiles will 

be managed to prevent erosion and placed away from waterways. 

• Soil profiles will be re-established consistent with the pre-disturbance profiles and land form 

to enhance the success of natural regeneration. 

• Maintain records of properties where pest-control infrastructure is in place or is installed. 

• Ensure all vermin or dingo fencing is re-established and gates are closed. 

• Where soil is exposed, re-establish with appropriate grass species in accordance with the 

surrounding landscape wherever possible to minimise fragmentation and prevent impacts 

on natural ecosystem functioning and fauna movement. Rehabilitation to be in accordance 

with site specific rehabilitation plans developed for the appropriate vegetation community. 

• All vehicles to remain on designated access roads and tracks and within the defined ROW 

and associated work/camp sites. 

• Vehicle movements are not permitted at night without express authorisation from the site 

manager. Vehicle operation hours will be 6 am - 6 pm (maximum 12 hours per day), 7 days 

a week. This will be monitored through in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) on all 

vehicles. If night driving is required along the ROW it will be at 20km/hr for safety reasons 

and to minimise the likelihood of collision with fauna species. 

• During standard operating hours (6am-6pm) vehicles will travel along the ROW at 

appropriate speeds that minimise environmental risks. Speed limits will be defined for, and 

signposted on the verge of, specific sections of unsealed access tracks and along the 

ROW. Speed limits will be dependent on the nature of the particular track section and 

relevant Project HSSE requirements. The standard speed limit is 40km/hr and in 

environmentally sensitive areas (including those areas mapped as potential habitat in the 

SSMP) it will be reduced to 20km/hr to minimise the likelihood of hitting fauna species. 

• Specific mitigation measures will be implemented where required by species specific 

SSMPs. 

Monitoring • Ongoing monitoring (pipeline and above-ground facilities) will be undertaken to assess the 

success and integrity of revegetation and to ensure appropriate follow-up measures are 

implemented. 

• Monitoring will occur weekly until the rehabilitated areas are considered stable, and then at 

least monthly for the first 12 months post construction. Details of the monitoring method to 

be used will be detailed in the site specific rehabilitation plans to be developed prior to 

commencement of rehabilitation works. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Monitoring will then be undertaken annually until the rehabilitation has met the set 

performance objectives using the BioCondition assessment methodology. 

• Regular audits and reviews will be undertaken and recommendations and corrective actions 

shall be implemented. 

• Spotter catchers will be present during clearing and monitor clearing activities to ensure 

direct impacts to fauna are avoided and minimised. 

• Non-Compliance and Incident Reporting (refer to Section 6.22) will be actioned by 

Operations Management to ensure prompt rectification and, where required, initiated 

changes to systems. 

• Landholder complaints will be recorded and actioned. 

48 of 89





6.6 Weeds And Pests 


The field survey detected two declared weeds within the Gas Collection Header Pipeline ROW: 

• Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum delagoense), and 

• Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.) 

Additional environment weeds were recorded during field surveys. Species that may impede rehabilitation 

works following construction include exotic pasture grasses, such as: 

• Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) 

• Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus maximus - syn. Panicum maximum) 


Impacts associated with the introduction of weeds and pests include the following: 

• Introduced predators may gain access. Dingoes and to a lesser extent foxes and cats are known to 

follow roads and tracks as they provide easy-access paths. This may open up new habitats and expose 

fauna to elevated predation risks 

• The establishment of environmental weeds, particularly Buffel grass, has the potential to destroy natural 

fauna habitats through altered fire regimes and removal of fauna food resources 

• Weeds and pests may displace other species, either through predation or utilisation of scarce resources 

• Agricultural productivity may decline if weeds and pests increase in abundance and distribution 

Both construction and operation of pipelines may result in an increase in the number, abundance and 

distribution of weeds and pests. 

Mosquitoes and biting midges have the potential to affect the health of personnel and residents. 

Weed and Pest Management Plans 

Table 6.10: Weed and Pest Management Plan (Construction) 

Weed and Pest Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To prevent spread or introduction of pest and weed species as a results of Project activities. 

Policy 

Performance 

Criteria 

No increase in abundance or distribution of weed and pest species as a result of Project 

activities. 


Strategy 

• Qualified personnel to undertake weed surveys of the Project Area prior to construction to 

identify required wash-down locations. 

• Liaison with government authorities and landholders in relation to any existing weed data 

sets and management strategies. 

• Survey data to be forwarded to the GIS co-ordinator for inclusion in the GIS data set. 

• Map and maintain weed-identification layer on Project GIS. 

• Maintain records of properties where pest-control infrastructure is in place. 

• Ensure all vermin or dingo fencing is re-established and gates are closed. 

• Develop/revise the access control map as new information arises. 

• Where weed infestation is identified, initiate appropriate action (e.g. notify the weed 

contractor to carry out the control program). 

• Any application of chemicals must comply with the Queensland Government’s Agricultural 

Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 (ACDC Act). Where this Act allows the use of 

biodegradable chemicals/herbicides to treat a particular weed species they will be applied to 

minimise impacts on the environment. However for some particular weeds non- 

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Weed and Pest Management Plan (Construction) 

biodegradable chemicals/herbicides may be the only option. Any person applying chemicals 

will hold the relevant licences and use them in accordance with relevant regulations and 

project HSSE requirements. Any relevant Pest Fact Sheets produced by DEEDI will be 

consulted. 

• Vehicles, plant and equipment must travel on approved access routes only (Approved 

Access Mapping). 

• Plan construction activities to minimise the spread of weeds. 

• Limit vehicle movements on vegetated areas that may contain weed material. 

• Vehicles travelling from weed-affected areas must wash-down prior to leaving these areas 

or prior to re-entering the road network. 

• All vehicles, plant and equipment (including hand tools such as shovels) will be inspected 

by nominated personnel before being certified clean for entry to the Project Area. 

• All vehicles, plant and equipment will be kept visually clean (as practicable) and kept free of 

grass and other materials where possible. 

• Equipment and vehicles will be cleaned in designated wash-down sites before leaving 

weed-infested areas or entering weed-free areas. 

• Personal clothing, including boots, will be cleaned of mud and weed seeds nightly as well 

as whenever leaving weed-infested areas. Trouser pockets and cuffs are to be turned out to 

remove any seeds. 

• Vehicles, plant and equipment that fail inspection must be washed down and re-inspected. 

• A log, to be completed for all wash-down activities, is to be maintained at the construction 

site office and made available to the Environmental Manager, auditors or regulators on 

request. 

• Only identified wash-down facilities will be used (refer GIS maps). 

• Wash-downs to be managed so as to not leave a weed seedbank. 

• Ensure potential mosquito-breeding sites, including equipment and materials that pool 

water, are avoided or drained regularly. Any such equipment or debris no longer required 

for construction will be disposed of as soon as possible. 

• Campsite and Office Supervisors and Construction Superintendents will be trained to 

recognise mosquito-breeding activity and the treatment of breeding sites. 

• Periodic inspection of any ponded water to ensure no mosquito breeding occurring. 

• Removal of any mosquito breeding site from Project related source. 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• During construction, the entire length of the ROW and associated work areas will be 

inspected monthly to assess the effectiveness of weed protection measures. 

• Regular audits will be undertaken, and recommendations and corrective actions will be 

implemented. 

• Non-Compliance and Incident Reporting will be reported to, and regulated by, senior 

management to ensure prompt rectification and change management as required. 

• Landholder complaints will be recorded and appropriately acted upon by the Environmental 

Manager 

• A survey of weed-prone areas to be conducted after early wet-season rainfall events and 

thereafter monthly during the first wet season, if access allows. 

Table 6.11: Weed and Pest Management Plan (Operation) 

Weed and Pest Management Plan (Operation) 

Operational Policy To prevent spread or introduction of pest and weed species as a results of Project 

activities. 

Performance Criteria No increase in abundance or distribution of weed and pest species as a result of Project 

activities. 


Strategy 

• Qualified personnel to undertake weed surveys of the Project Area prior to 

construction to identify required wash-down locations. 

• Liaison with government authorities and landholders in relation to any existing weed 

data sets and management strategies. 

• Survey data to be forwarded to the GIS co-ordinator for inclusion in the GIS data set. 

• Map and maintain weed-identification layer on Project GIS. 

• Where weed infestation is identified, initiate appropriate action (e.g. notify the weed 

contractor to carry out the control program). 

50 of 89





Weed and Pest Management Plan (Operation) 

• Any application of chemicals must comply with the Queensland Government’s 

Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 (ACDC Act). Where this Act 

allows the use of biodegradable chemicals/herbicides to treat a particular weed 

species they will be applied to minimise impacts on the environment. However for 

some particular weeds non-biodegradable chemicals/herbicides may be the only 

option. Any person applying chemicals will hold the relevant licences and use them in 

accordance with relevant regulations and project HSSE requirements. Any relevant 

Pest Fact Sheets produced by DEEDI will be consulted. 

• Develop/revise the access control map as new information arises. 

• Vehicles, plant and equipment must travel on approved access routes only (Approved 

Access Mapping). 

• Limit vehicle movements on vegetated areas that may contain weed material. 

• Vehicles travelling from weed-affected areas must wash-down prior to leaving these 

areas or prior to re-entering the road network. 

• All vehicles, plant and equipment (including hand tools such as shovels) will be 

inspected by nominated personnel before being certified clean for entry to the Project 

Area. 

• All vehicles, plant and equipment will be kept visually clean (as practicable) and kept 

free of grass and other materials where possible. 

• Equipment and vehicles will be cleaned in designated wash-down sites before leaving 

weed-infested areas or entering weed-free areas. 

• Vehicles, plant and equipment that fail inspection must be washed down and reinspected. 

• A log, to be completed for all wash-down activities, is to be maintained at the 

construction site office and made available to the Environmental Manager, auditors or 

regulators on request. 

• Only identified wash-down facilities will be used (refer GIS maps). 

• Wash-downs to be managed so as to not leave a weed seedbank. 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective Action 

• Any section of the ROW and associated work areas that were positive for weed 

presence during construction will be inspected 6 monthly to assess the effectiveness 

of weed protection measures used during construction. 

• Ongoing monitoring will be undertaken for a period of up to two years after 

construction is completed to assess the success of weed-control activities (Operations 

Management will continue this work during operations and into the future). 

• Regular audits will be undertaken, and recommendations and corrective actions will be 

implemented. 



• Landholder complaints will be recorded and appropriately acted upon by the 

Environmental Manager 

• A survey of weed-prone areas to be conducted after early wet-season rainfall events 

and thereafter monthly during the first wet season, if access allows. 

6.7 Stock Access And Control 


Stock routes are regulated under Section 9 of the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) 

Regulation 2003 (Qld). They can exist on various land tenures, including roads, reserves, pastoral leases 

and unallocated state land. Major stock routes are generally associated with roads. 


Potential impacts on stock and stock movement is considered to be restricted with the construction of the 

pipeline 

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Construction 

Without adequate control of stock movements, the interaction of stock with pipeline construction may result 

in: 

• Injury or fatality of stock 

• Loss or escape of stock 

• Restricted access to pasture. 

Unrestricted stock movements may also result in damage to gas field infrastructure, which, in turn, may 

endanger personnel and residents. 

Construction activities will be the predominant source of potential impacts on stock. The operation of 

pipelines is likely to have minimal impact on stock. 

Operation 

Impacts to stock during operation phase of the pipeline are considered to be negligible. 

Stock Access and Control Management Plan 

Table 6.12: Stock Access and Control Management Plan 

Stock Access and Control Management Plan 

Policy 

To minimise the impact on stock movements. 

Performance 

criteria 

• Where deemed necessary through risk assessment and landholder consultation, stock 

access will be restricted from Activity sites. 

• No stock injured or killed due to pipeline activities. 

• No complaints from stock farmers. 


strategy 


auditing 

Reporting and 

corrective 

action 

• Identification of stock routes and program of consultation with DERM land management for 

works within stock routes. 

• Where there is a risk to stock safety or pipeline infrastructure, stock may be restricted from 

accessing certain areas. 

• Landholders will be consulted to determine stock movement requirements. 

• Agreements reached with landholders to restrict access during Activities so that stock is not 

unduly disrupted. 

• Landholder requirements communicated to all relevant QGC personnel. 

• Upon decommissioning, sites will be rehabilitated to ensure there is no impediment or 

potential to cause harm to stock. If infrastructure is to remain, it should, where necessary, 

exclude stock access with permanent fencing. 

• Stock access observations will be incorporated into the annual audit. 

• All stock injuries or fatalities attributable to the Project will be recorded and investigated. 

• All personnel will be aware of landholder requirements and will communicate any breaches 

(e.g. fences in need of repair) 

• Complaints will be addressed promptly by Land Access Officer and recorded in the incident 

reporting database if non-compliance with landholder requirements is identified. 

• Corrective action will be taken to prevent any repeat of stock injuries or fatalities 

attributable to the Project. 

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6.8 Surface Water And Groundwater 


Surface Water 

The two main catchments traversed by the Gas Collection Pipeline include the Condamine Balonne and the 

Dawson-Fitzroy. The majority of the pipeline passes through the Condamine-Balonne catchment with the 

remaining 50 km traversing the upper catchment areas of the Dawson-Fitzroy. 

Higher order streams that are to be traversed by the proposed pipeline route include: 

• Wambo Creek (Stream Order Category 4) 

• Condamine River (Category 7) 

• Columboola Creek (Category 4) 

• Dogwood Creek (Category 4). 

The Gas Collection Header crosses the Condamine River which forms the headwaters of the Ramsar listed 

Narran Lake Reserve situated approximately 450 km southwest of the Project area. 

The DERM Directory of Important Wetlands Dataset indicates that the only nationally wetlands located 

within the vicinity of the Collection Header are: 

• Gums Lagoon located approximately 45 km south of the southern portion of the Gas Collection Header 

and 

• Lake Broadwater approximately 28 km east of the southern portion of the Gas Collection Header. 

The Gas Collection Header does not occur within the sub-catchment area of either of these wetlands. 

Groundwater 

The analysis of bore data has concluded that shallow groundwater along the Gas Collection Header route 

is expected to be predominantly alluvium associated with major watercourses. Seepage and artesian flow 

may be encountered in some watercourse beds where aquifers adjoin impermeable rock or in 

topographically low areas. 


Surface water impacts associated with the Gas Collection Header will generally be restricted to the 

construction activities located in proximity to surface water and/or groundwater features. Impacts 

associated with the operation of the pipeline are projected to be minimal. 

Surface Water 

The key impacts to watercourses that can arise from the installation of pipelines are: 

• Sedimentation as a result of soil erosion 

• Scouring of the streambed due to destabilisation of ground 

• Changes to stream flow due to construction 

• Pollution of waters due to uncontrolled release of chemicals used in construction. 

• Spread of weed species. 

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Construction activities have the potential to lead to sedimentation of watercourses due to erosion as a 

result of land clearing, soil disturbance and vehicle movements. The cumulative effect of numerous point 

sources (e.g. disturbed crossings and unstable banks) in an already turbid river system has the potential to 

impact on sensitive downstream environments and in-stream habitats. For further information please refer 

to the soil erosion and sedimentation EMP in Section 6.10. 

Scouring can lead to the destabilisation of the watercourse. The greatest risk with respect to scouring of 

creek beds and banks will be the initial wet-season flows prior to successful rehabilitation. There is also a 

risk that the high discharge velocities that can occur in many of the stream types, and variations in the 

velocity flow path could lead to the reinstatement stabilisation techniques failing and causing exposure of 

the pipeline. 

During construction there will be temporary interruptions to existing drainage patterns resulting from 

clearing, grading and trenching activities, diversion drains and bunding. All barriers and/or dams installed 

during the construction of the pipelines will be removed after construction leaving no permanent flow 

inhibition. 

All pipelines will be designed and constructed consistent with AS2885. Construction environmental 

management will also be consistent with the requirements of the APIA Code of Environmental Practice for 

Onshore Pipelines. The majority of the creeks intersected by the pipelines are ephemeral and every effort 

will be made to construct across these creeks when they are dry. 

Due to the separation of catchments transected by the proposed alignment and the closest Ramsar 

wetlands being more than 450 km from the nearest pipeline, it is considered unlikely that the proposal could 

have any potential impact on any Ramsar wetland 

Groundwater 

The investigation identified that the groundwater level in most areas is unlikely to be within 2.5 m of the 

ground surface and is therefore unlikely to be affected by the pipeline construction and operations 

In the event shallower water tables are intersected by the trench, there may be a requirement for 

dewatering of the trench during construction. This intersection by the trench has the potential to create 

localised impacts to the groundwater flow patterns. This impact will be temporary due to the short duration 

of the open trench (approximately three weeks in any one area) and depth of the intrusion. 

Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plans 

Table 6.13: Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plan (Construction) 

Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To minimise the potential impacts associated with erosion and to prevent the release of 

Policy 

contaminants that may adversely affect downstream surface-water quality. 

To protect the quality of the existing groundwater resources. 

Performance 

Criteria 


Strategy 

No release of contaminants to surface waters outside the boundary of Project infrastructure. 

No failures of sediment and erosion control techniques leading to unacceptable sediment release. 

Groundwater quality not impacted by construction or during the post construction period. 

• Watercourse banks reinstated to prevent scouring. 

• Watercourse flows and channel crossings not altered. 

• Erosion- and sediment-control techniques implemented on-site where topography and 

landscape require particular management. 

• No direct or indirect release of contaminants to surface waters as a result of construction 

activities. 

• No accelerated erosion as a result of construction activities. 

• Where wet crossings are unavoidable, water-quality characteristics measured to be within the 

limits set out in the EA. 

• The crossings will typically be at right angles to the direction of water flow. This will minimise 

54 of 89






scour potential. This will include vehicular and maintenance access. 

• Crossings will, where practicable, be undertaken in no- or low-flow conditions during drier 

months (e.g. April – October). 

• Breakers will be installed in trenches close to flowing streams (or in periods of potential 

inundation) to limit the potential for streamflow or shallow groundwater channelling within the 

trench. 

• Berms will be installed downslope of trench breakers to divert seepage away from the ROW 

to stable ground. 

• Vehicle crossings will be appropriately constructed (e.g. include rock and flume/s) to cater for 

existing or expected flow conditions. 

• Watercourse banks will be reinstated as near as possible to their former profile and stabilised 

and revegetated as necessary to prevent scouring. 

• Existing layers of cobbles and/or coarse gravel in the bed of the watercourse will be 

reinstated. 

• Banks to be reinstated to a slope no steeper than existing site conditions and to a grade 

compatible with the strength of the site’s soil type. 

• Watercourses will be stabilised with, for example, gabions (rock mattresses) or jute matting 

as required. 

• Drainage shall be reinstated to preconstruction direction. 

• Crossings will be completed promptly. 

• The disturbance corridor for the bed and bank of watercourses will be the narrowest 

practicable for safe construction. However, a wider ROW and work area will be required for 

watercourses with deep and steep banks in order to install the pipelines at the required depth. 

• Where practicable, large trees, particularly hollow-bearing trees, will be retained. Root stock 

will, wherever practicable, be retained for stabilisation of the banks. 

• Riparian vegetation clearing will be kept to the minimum practical for safe construction of the 

Pipeline and take into consideration other environmental constraints such as soil and felled 

vegetation stockpiling for rehabilitation. 

• Sediment fences will be installed between the creek and the construction area when wet 

weather is expected. 

• The Construction Supervisor will be vigilant of flood warnings and, where necessary, action 

will be taken in accordance with the Emergency Response Plan. 

• Any trench water will be pumped out to stable ground well away from any watercourse. 

• Where trench de-watering is required at a watercourse, the water will be discharged through 

a settlement basin to minimise turbidity. 

Hydrotest Water 

• Hydrotest water is to be sourced only from authorised sources under permits issued by the 

regulatory authority. 

• The source of hydrostatic test water shall be approved in advance by the Environmental 

Manager. 

• If required, relevant permits to draw water from State Resources shall be obtained. 

• Where water is to be transferred from one catchment to another in-line filters will be used. 

• Pipeline sections crossing water bodies (trenchless crossings in particular) will be tested prior 

to installation. 

• Inspection of all pipeline section welds or hydrotesting of pipeline sections before installation 

under water bodies will be performed in accordance with construction 

specifications/procedures. 

• Disposal of hydrotest water will be in accordance with relevant environmental authority 

conditions. 

Compressor Station 

• Bunding and sediment fences will be installed to prevent any contamination of surface waters 

• Stormwater falling outside bunded areas will be drained away from process areas and 

systems for managing contaminated stormwater into natural drainage points around the site. 

• Grade and slope site to ensure stormwater drains away from process equipment. 

• Fit bunded areas with drains normally closed so that stormwater can be drained to the on-site 

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evaporation pond. 

• Direct bunded drains into an interceptor pit. 

• Remove unnecessary water traps to prevent mosquito-breeding areas. 

• Maintenance and cleaning of vehicles to be completed at off-site facilities where possible. If 

completed on-site, activities will be at locations where the potential for the release of 

contaminants to waters or stormwater systems is minimised. 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• During construction, the entire length of the easement will be regularly inspected to assess 

the effectiveness of protection measures, with frequent assessment of the effectiveness of 

the management of watercourse environments. 

• Water quality will be monitored upstream and downstream of the construction area where a 

discharge occurs 

• Records will be maintained of all releases to waters including the location, frequency of 

discharge and monitoring results. 

• The following will be reported regularly: 

1. Contractor compliance with approved erosion and sediment control plan. 

2. Incidents of erosion or surface water contamination. 

3. Results of routine inspections. 

• The following are classified as incidents relating to surface-water management: 

1. Erosion and sediment control plan not prepared and/or implemented. 

2. Breach in integrity of bunds / erosion controls 

3. Any temporary sediment basins demonstrating significant reduced available volume. 

4. Insufficient housekeeping to prevent general rubbish and contaminants entering 

stormwater and runoff from the site. 

• Should an incident/failure to comply occur, the following corrective actions could be 

considered: 

1. Repair soil erosion and sediment controls. 

2. Repair stormwater controls. 

3. Contain and remedy or dispose of contaminated material/s. 

4. Clean out temporary sediment basins allowing for dissipation of concentrated flows. 

5. Improve level of housekeeping. 

6. Review the relevant plans. 


Manager. 

Table 6.14: Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plan (Operation) 

Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plan (Operation) 

Management To minimise the potential impacts associated with erosion and to prevent the release of 

Policy 

contaminants that may adversely affect downstream surface-water quality. 

Performance 

Objectives 


strategy 

To protect the quality of the existing groundwater resources. 

• No release of contaminants to surface waters outside the boundary of Project infrastructure. 

• No failures of sediment and erosion control techniques leading to unacceptable sediment 

release. 

• Groundwater quality not impacted by post-construction activities. 

Compressor Station 

• Drain stormwater falling outside bunded areas away from process areas and systems for 

managing contaminated stormwater into natural drainage points around the site. 

• Grade and slope site to ensure stormwater drains away from process equipment. 

• Fit bunded areas with drains normally closed so that stormwater can be drained to the onsite 

evaporation pond. 

• Direct bunded drains into an interceptor pit. 

• Remove unnecessary water traps to prevent mosquito-breeding areas. 

• Maintenance and cleaning of vehicles to be completed at off-site facilities where possible. If 

completed on-site, activities will be at locations where the potential for the release of 

contaminants to waters or stormwater systems is minimised. 

Pipeline 

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Surface Water and Groundwater Management Plan (Operation) 

• No visible evidence of: 

− Significant erosion following high rainfall. 

− Damage or failure of stormwater control devices or systems. 

− Collapse/subsidence of banks at nearby watercourse crossings or notable increases in 

flow levels or flooding associated with local waterways. 

− Subsidence or exposure of pipeline. 

• Ensure run-off is distributed to the greatest extent possible, particularly in critical areas (e.g. 

adjacent to watercourses, highly erosive soils) to stable ground by the use of turn-off drains, 

contour banks, etc. 

• Ensure ground stabilisation, either by vegetation cover or compaction, to all unsealed areas 

within the boundary fence at above-ground facilities. 

• Monitor and maintain stormwater run-off control devices (e.g. spoon drains, diffusers, 

berms) at above-ground facilities. 

Monitoring • Periodic inspections to visually assess presence and effectiveness of run-off control 

structures. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Rectify deficient run-off control structures. 

6.9 Topography 


The Gas Collection Header is predominantly situated on flat and undulating plains. No steep sloping areas 

that are expected to place any constraints on pipeline construction occur along the proposed route. 

Potential Impacts On Environmental Values 

The pipeline route has been selected to avoid or minimise impacts associated with topographical and 

geomorphology constraints. It is expected that he construction of the Gas Collection Header will require 

minimal landform modification although crossing of significance with high river banks will require careful 

management. 

Land topography will not be impacted during the operation of the pipeline. 

Topography Maintenance Management Plan 

Table 6.15: Topography Maintenance Management Plan 

Topography Maintenance Management Plan 

Policy 

To minimise impacts to topography. 

Performance • Minimise sediment and erosion release from areas where topography is altered. 

criteria 

• Consultation with stakeholders regarding topography following decommissioning. 


strategy 


auditing: 

Reporting and 

corrective 

action 

• Where practicable, sites are returned to their original profile upon decommissioning. 

• The Activity area will be returned to original or stable contours, re-establishing surface 

drainage lines and other land features. 

• Where areas of significant topographic restriction cannot be avoided: 

− Limit access of specialist heavy machinery. 

− Careful excavation. 

− Adopt special measures to build access tracks with appropriate grade. 

− Development sites with significant topographic restrictions will be subject to a detailed 

site development plan. 

• Development sites will be inspected to ensure compliance with site development plans. 

• Instances of non-compliance will be investigated and corrective actions taken. 

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6.10 Soil Erosion And Sediment Control 


The majority of the first 150 km of the Gas Collection Header is comprised of shallow infertile texture 

contrast soils (Sodosols) with shallow topsoil (typically 10-20 cm thick) and a sharp transition to a medium 

to heavy clay subsoil that is sodic and highly dispersive. 

Between KPs 79 to 89 the Gas Collection Header passes through predominantly deep cracking clay soils 

(Vertosols) that are valued for cropping and intensive and pasture production. Melonholes (gilgai) which are 

commonly associated with these deep cracking soils were found to be common in the area. 

The remainder of the route (i.e. KP 140-194) predominantly occurs in shallow dark and brown cracking clay 

(Vertosol) soils with a generally low to moderate erosion risk. 

Measures to avoid strategic cropping areas have been incorporated into the route planning for the project. 

Thus, only minor areas that are suitable for intensive cropping will be affected by the project. 

The majority of the area transected by the pipeline is currently relatively stable with only short sections 

exhibiting significant existing erosion levels, primarily in the form of gully erosion. These significant existing 

erosion areas are mainly located around local drainage channels (i.e. in the vicinity of Wambo and 

Columboola Creeks) where previous disturbances have exposed highly dispersive sodic subsoils prone to 

gully and tunnel erosion (often associated with the effects of existing adjacent infrastructure such as 

roadways). 


The most significant soil and terrain impacts are generally associated with the construction of the pipeline. 

Impacts associated with the operation of the pipeline are expected to be minimal. 

Construction 

Construction activities which have the potential to impact on the soils and terrain of the Project area 

include: 

• Pipeline route clearing and excavation activities 

• Development of additional access tracks 

• Establishment and operation of any construction work areas 

• Establishment of stockpiling areas for pipe. 

Without appropriate mitigation measures in place there is a potential that construction activities could 

instigate or exacerbate soil erosion that could lead to the reduction of land capability and impact water 

quality values downstream. 

The instigation or exacerbation of gully and tunnel erosion in proximity to drainage lines will be a potential 

risk associated with pipeline construction. Where shallow texture contrast soils are found in steeper terrain 

near the central and northern sections of the Gas Collection Header, the potential for erosion will be 

significant if not properly managed. 

The cracking clay soils primarily associated with (former) brigalow vegetation also have significantly 

dispersive sodic subsoils that will require careful management strategies. However, these soils will be more 

conducive to vegetative rehabilitation due to the inherent fertility levels and better soil structure. 

With the implementation of the erosion control measures as discussed in the Soil Erosion and Sediment 

Control Management Plan the elevated soil erosion potential risk would only exist for short periods. In these 

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areas, it will be desirable to undertake pipeline construction and rehabilitation during the periods when the 

likelihood of high intensity rainfall events are lower, from March to October. Construction scheduling of the 

pipeline works will take this into consideration. 

Operation 

Subsequent to construction periodic inspections will assess the effectiveness of the sediment control 

measures and defective devices and/or additional erosion control devices will be installed where required. 

With the implementation of a monitoring program in place soil erosion impacts associated with the 

operation of the pipeline corridor are expected to be negligible. 

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plans 

Table 6.16: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Construction) 

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To minimise environmental impacts caused by soil loss and erosion. 

Policy 

Performance Erosion and sediment control techniques implemented onsite where necessary. 

Criteria 

No failures of sediment and erosion control techniques leading to unacceptable sediment 


Strategy 

release. 

• Minimise the quantity and duration of soil exposure. 

• Protect topsoil, root and seed stock by: 

− Topsoil – separation of topsoil stockpiles from subsoil; stockpile topsoil on the high side 

of the ROW on hill slopes; limiting the height of stockpiles to two m; grading away from 

watercourses; topsoil is not to be used as padding material; respreading topsoil after 

scarification; spreading of felled vegetation during rehabilitation. 

− Root – use of graders rather than bulldozers to avoid ripping out the root system; route 

selection to avoid areas of side slope, thus minimising root-stock loss. 

− Seed – separation and stockpiling of topsoil to preserve seed stock; spreading felled 

vegetation to protect the topsoil and provide additional seed stock; no burning of felled 

vegetation. 

• Minimise the potential for bulldust creation in susceptible soils by: 

− Watering a drive strip immediately after grading to enable compaction and a firm crust 

to form. 

− Limiting vehicle movements to the watered strip. 

− Reducing permitted vehicle speeds. 

− Regular on-going watering. 

− Use of additive (e.g. Dustmag) to bind soil if necessary. 

• In the event that bulldust occurs: 

− Implement a detour around the affected area. 

− Create additional temporary workspace. 

− Water to repair the area. 

− Rehabilitate as soon as possible. 

− Wait for natural rainfall to reset the surface then scarify and seed. 

• Minimise work during wet weather, as it has limited production benefit and consequential 

rehabilitation costs. 

• Protect critical areas during and after construction by reducing the velocity of water and 

redirecting run-off to stable ground. 

• Install and maintain erosion-control structures (e.g. berms, contour banks, turn-off drains 

and silt fences). 

• Install diversion banks at the crest of the stream approach- slope to divert sheet flow from 

backfilled trenches. 

• Recontour landforms to their original condition as soon as practicable, including any erosion 

controls established prior to construction. 

• Replace topsoil and seed stock to facilitate revegetation as soon as practicable following 

grading. 

• Ensure ROW and access roads have properly constructed turn-off drains. 

• Revegetate the easement as soon as practical after completion of backfilling. 

• Avoid vehicle movement on restored easement until vegetation re-established. 

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Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Construction) 

• Inspect the ROW and maintain erosion and sediment controls as necessary during and after 

construction, until stabilisation is achieved. 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• During construction, the entire length of the easement will be regularly inspected to assess 

the effectiveness of erosion-protection measures, with particular attention to sensitive 

locations. 

• The inspection of sediment controls should focus on integrity of: 

− Topsoil stockpiles 

− Sediment fencing condition 

− ROW diversions channels (ensure they are not being eroded or “washed out”) 

− Drainage channels and creeks. 

• Additional inspections will be undertaken following high rainfall (i.e. >25 mm per day). 

• The following will be reported regularly: 

1. Contractor compliance with approved erosion and sediment control plan. 

2. Incidents of erosion or surface water contamination. 

3. Results of routine inspections. 

• The following are classified as incidents relating to surface-water management: 

1. Erosion and sediment control plan not prepared and/or implemented. 

2. Breach in integrity of bunds / erosion controls 

3. Any temporary sediment basins demonstrating significant reduced available volume. 

4. Insufficient housekeeping to prevent general rubbish and contaminants entering 

stormwater and runoff from the site. 

• Should an incident/failure to comply occur, the following corrective actions could be 

considered: 

1. Repair soil erosion and sediment controls. 

2. Repair stormwater controls. 

3. Contain and remedy or dispose of contaminated material/s. 

4. Clean out temporary sediment basins allowing for dissipation of concentrated flows. 

5. Improve level of housekeeping. 

6. Review the relevant plans. 


Manager 

Table 6.17: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Operation) 

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Operation) 

Policy 

To minimise environmental impacts caused by soil loss and erosion. 

Performance 

Objectives 

Erosion and sediment control techniques implemented onsite where necessary. 

No failures of sediment and erosion control techniques leading to unacceptable sediment 

release. 

Implementation No visible evidence of: 

strategy 

− Significant erosion during operations (i.e. significantly above that of adjacent lands). 

− Significant erosion following excavation or extreme rainfall. 

− Significant changes to ground level, drainage patterns, etc. which may indicate soil 

erosion and sedimentation. 

− Damage or failure of erosion/sediment control devices. 

− Collapse/subsidence of banks at nearby watercourse crossings. 

− Subsidence or exposure of pipeline. 

• Install, maintain and monitor erosion and sediment control devices (e.g. berms, silt fences, 

jute matting) so that ground is stable and vegetation cover is maintained. 

• Gravel permanent access roads to above-ground facilities. 

• Ensure ground stabilisation, either by vegetation cover or compaction, to all unsealed areas 

within the boundary fence at above-ground facilities. 

• Install sediment fencing around active erosion adjacent to watercourses, as needed, to 

keep areas stable. 

• Monitor and maintain storm water run-off control devices (e.g. spoon drains, diffusers, 

berms) at above-ground facilities. 

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Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Operation) 


Auditing 

• Visual assessment of presence and effectiveness of erosion, sediment and run-off control 

structures during periodic inspections. 

• Inspection of watercourse crossings after major rainfall events (e.g. >25 mm per day). 

• Re-instate or repair defective erosion, sediment and run-off control devices. 

• Review stormwater management techniques as required. 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Actions 

• Install additional erosion, sediment or run-off control measures where inspections indicate 

remedial action is required. 

• Utilise latest techniques as they become known where standard techniques continually fail 

to meet performance criteria. 

6.11 Soil Contamination 


Pipelines will pass through rural land that has been predominantly used for grazing. A risk-based approach 

was used during the route selection to avoid areas of known or likely contamination. This process will 

continue during the route refinement and detailed design phase and in consultation with landholders. 

After reviewing past land uses of affected land parcels, after detailed soil surveys along the route and after 

negotiation with landholders during the route selection process no contaminated sites have yet been 

identified. 

Notwithstanding this, it is recognised that there still remains a remote possibility that contaminated lands 

will be encountered along the pipeline route. The following observation and experience were taken into 

account: 

• Many rural properties do not have access to waste collection services and in the past waste has often 

been disposed of on site. Wastes include domestic waste, animal carcasses, chemical containers and 

other materials such as asbestos sheeting 

• Burning wastes, particularly treated or painted timber, can release heavy metals into the soil. No such 

contaminated areas were identified during field work and site inspections, but such disposal sites may 

be encountered along the route during development 

• Rural properties may also have operational or abandoned animal dips which contain pesticide residues 

and heavy metals 

• The preferred route crosses rail tracks and major roadways at various points. Hydrocarbon 

contamination, including coal fines and herbicide residues associated with weed control may be 

potential problems at such points. Where asbestos brake linings have been used on trains, dust and 

fibres from these can accumulate in the soil adjacent to tracks, also causing land contamination. 

Negotiations with landholders in relation to the pipeline easements will continue throughout the final 

alignment selection phase to identify any known stock dips or waste disposal areas. 


If contaminated land is encountered during the construction phase there may be a risk to construction 

personnel and the wider public. There is also a risk that the release of contaminated material into the 

environment beyond the work area will cause environmental harm and/or affect public health. 

There is also a risk of localised land contamination from Project-related activities associated with the 

handling and use of fuels and chemicals. Pipeline projects generally involve relatively small quantities of 

chemicals and the volume of any potential spill would be low. The construction and operation of the Gas 

Collection Header is no different. 

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Soil Contamination Management Plans 

Table 6.18: Soil Contamination Management Plan (Construction) 

Soil Contamination Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational No contamination of soils arising from Project activities. 

Policy 

To manage any pre-existing contaminated soils such that extent of contamination is not 


Performance 

Criteria 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Project sites not added to Queensland Contaminated Land Register (CLR). 

• No release of hazardous substance or dangerous goods to soil. 

• Identify all pre-existing contaminated soils likely to be impacted by Project activities. 

• Where pre-existing contaminated soils are identified, and disturbance by Project activities is 

unavoidable, develop and implement appropriate management strategies. 

• Trenching Supervisor will be instructed in process for handling previously unidentified 

contaminated areas (e.g. dip, waste pit) or acid sulfate soil in the event that any such areas 

are uncovered during trenching. These will include: 

− Cessation of trenching at the location. 

− Relocation and recommencement of trenching 50m ahead. 

− Advise Environment Manager for notification to regulatory authorities. 

− Have site assessed in accordance with the relevant DERM Guidelines – Draft Guideline 

for the Assessment and Management of Contaminated Land in Queensland, 

Department of Environment, May 1998 where contamination is confirmed. 

− Initiate appropriate remedial action based on the assessment. This may include 

deviating around the site. 

• Storage of all fuels and chemicals will comply with relevant legislation governing the storage 

and handling of materials that may adversely impact the environment if released 

(i.e. Queensland Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulations, 2001). 

• Appropriate spill-containment facilities for all chemicals and fuel storage areas will be 

established in accordance with AS 1940 and AS 3780. 

• A hazardous materials register detailing the location and quantities of hazardous 

substances will be established and maintained, including details of storage, use and 

disposal. 

• Personnel will be inducted and trained in safe work practices to minimise the risk of 

spillage. 

• If an area of contamination is reported, the cause will be identified and the area of 

contamination contained. The impact may be contained by isolating the source or 

implementing controls around the affected site. 

• Remediation of contaminated land will use the most appropriate available method to 

achieve required commercial/industrial guideline validation results. 

• Validation sampling of any remediated area will be used to establish the site as “clean” in 

line with the relevant DERM Contaminated Land and National Environment Protection 

Measure (NEPM) Guidelines. 

• Wastes will be classified, transported and disposed of in accordance with Queensland 

Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000 and Environmental Protection 

(Waste Management) Regulation 2000. 

• The integrity of storage facilities for hazardous materials and wastes and bunded areas will 

be routinely inspected. 

• Regular audits and reviews of this EMP will be undertaken and recommendations and 

corrective actions implemented. 

• Daily or weekly work reports (as appropriate) shall be recorded and reviewed by each 


• Non-Compliance and Incident Reporting will be closed out by senior management to ensure 

prompt rectification and change management as required. 



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Table 6.19: Soil Contamination Management Plan (Operation) 

Soil Contamination Management Plan (Operation) 

Operational No contamination of soils arising from Project activities. 

Policy 

To manage any pre-existing contaminated soils such that extent of contamination is not 


Minimise, where practicable, contamination of soils by hydrotest water. 

Performance 

Criteria 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Where pre-existing contaminated soils are identified, and disturbance by Project activities is 

unavoidable, continued implementation of appropriate management strategies. 

• Storage of all fuels and chemicals will comply with relevant legislation governing the storage 

and handling of materials that may adversely impact the environment if released (i.e. 

Queensland Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulations, 2001) 

• Appropriate spill-containment facilities for all chemicals and fuel storage areas will be 

established (in accordance with AS 1940 and AS 3780). 

• A hazardous materials register detailing the location and quantities of hazardous substances 

will be established and maintained, including details of storage, use and disposal. 

• Personnel will be inducted and trained in safe work practices to minimise the risk of spillage. 

• If an area of contamination is reported, the cause will be identified and the area of 

contamination contained. The impact may be contained by isolating the source or 

implementing controls around the affected site. 

• Remediation of contaminated land will use the most appropriate available method to achieve 

required commercial/industrial guideline validation results. 

• Validation sampling of any remediated area will be used to establish the site as “clean” as per 

the relevant DERM Contaminated Land and National Environment Protection Measure 

(NEPM) Guidelines. 

• 

• Regular monitoring of groundwater and surface water to ensure any releases are identified 

and remediated as soon as practicable. 

• The integrity of storage facilities for hazardous materials and wastes and bunded areas will 

be routinely inspected. 

• Regular audits and reviews of this EMP will be undertaken and recommendations and 

corrective actions implemented. 

• Daily or weekly monitoring reports (as appropriate) shall be recorded and reviewed by each 


• Non-Compliance and Incident Reporting will be closed out by senior management to ensure 

prompt rectification and change management as required. 

• The Environmental Manager will maintain records of all monitoring and auditing activities and 

report results to the Environmental Manager at agreed intervals. 

6.12 Community 


The Gas Collection Header traverses mainly through land that falls within Western Downs Regional 

Council. Townships within this area have a strong sense of community and value the friendly nature of the 

area as well the country lifestyle and the availability of services and infrastructure. There is strong social 

capital in the area, with an above average number of the population involved in some form of volunteer 

work. 

Communities in this area desire a balance between community lifestyle, development and the environment. 

They recognise the importance of development in stimulating growth in the area and seek sustainable 

opportunities that will enhance the character and heritage of the community whilst preserving its natural 

resources. 

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The most common liveability concern arises from the condition of road transport infrastructure within the 

area. 


It is likely that there will be impacts on the local community as a result of the construction and operation of 

the Gas Collection Header. Potential impacts are likely to include the following: 

• Labour force and employment impacts within the area; 

• Demographic impacts; 

• Housing impacts; 

• Social infrastructure and access impacts; 

• Community health and safety impacts; 

• Property and land use impacts; and 

• Lifestyle, amenity and community values impacts. 

A detailed Social Impact Assessment has been undertaken as part of the EIS process, and a Draft Social 

Impact Management Plan has been prepared. The Draft Social Impact Management Plan document 

provides a detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the construction and operation of the Collection 

Header. 

Community Management Plan 

Table 6.20: Community Management Plan 


Policy • QGC’s commitment to social sustainability in the Project area is expressed in two 

fundamental principles: 

• avoiding or mitigating negative impacts on social values 

• enhance Project benefits and community development throughout the Project area. 

Performance 

criteria 


strategy 

• Minor community impacts as a result of the construction and operation of the Collection 

Header 

• Positive legacy in the area as a result of investment in infrastructure upgrades, employment 

opportunities, social infrastructure etc. 

• Compliance with the Draft Social Impact Management Plan 

• Local recruitment and training strategy is paramount 

− Institutional and community partnerships to be developed for local skills development, 

including 

o Identifying local labour force availability and skill set match to project requirements 

o A particular focus on employment programs with Indigenous people 

o Targeting Project recruitment programs, skills development, public information 

strategy to increase local and regional employment and job placement programs to 

include young people and unemployed people 

o Invest in local training and skills development program 

• Source part of skilled workforce from outside of local region 

• Ensure relevant agencies are aware of project development and likely consequent population 

growth 

• Invest in community capacity and social infrastructure through QGC Community 

Development Fund 

• Integration program required and support for social infrastructure 

• Provision of workers’ camps for majority of the Gas Field construction workforce 

− Develop a housing management and accommodation strategy 

− Develop a camp management strategy 

• Investment in housing production partnerships including affordable housing. The Project 

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intends to make a contribution to affordable housing for low-income people in the Dalby 

region, to ensure that the most vulnerable community members are not excessively impacted 

by indirect population demands. 

• Liaison with community and private child care providers to monitor Project demand 

• Augment existing health services by providing a doctor for camp residents for the peak 

average construction period 

− Work with other stakeholders to increase local capacity for rural medicine and health 

service provision 

− Project will have its own medievac arrangements. 

− Liaison with local and regional emergency services 

• Invest in the expansion of community based re-settlement programs and family support 

services (such as counselling, parenting support, playgroups, and personal development and 

youth programs). Such investment could enhance overall community capacity and resilience. 

• Invest in the development of local human service provider capacity to support people with 

culturally diverse needs (including linguistic and cross cultural awareness). 

• Undertake community development initiatives targeting behaviour awareness and 

management for workers and local young men and women, and assertiveness training for 

local young men and women. 

• Maximise local employment where possible 

− Remote location of workers camps where possible 

− Project will support community services which are critical to managing such impacts. 

• QGC's Social Performance Plan and Social Investment Strategy will contribute to local 

community capacity and social infrastructure upgrades. 

• Land access and community relations procedures in place, with contractors required to 

perform to BG Group standards. 

− Land access and compensation negotiations under way with each property owner 

directly affected by the project. 

− Temporary impacts will be negotiated and suitable arrangements will be made with 

landholders. 

− Public grievance procedures in place 

• Grievance procedures in place Project driving standards and traffic management measures 

will be implemented. 

• To reduce risks of accident, mitigation will focus on project driving standards and health and 

safety awareness in communities. 

• Project infrastructure will be located to reduce and mitigate impacts on dwellings, towns and 


− Mitigation strategies relevant to each receptor will be developed on a site by site basis, 

including mitigation at source and at receptor. 

− Transparent approach in monitoring noise. 

• Avoid and minimise Project activity on GQAL 

− Land access negotiations and compensation will be used to mitigate these impacts 

• Avoidance of forests of environmental significance where possible 

− Rehabilitation of land where possible 

− Likely development of forestry using associated water 

• Stock crossing points will be installed. 

• Consultations with landholders will be undertaken to discuss management of irrigation 

systems 

• Weed and seed transfer related mitigation impacts discussed in the weed and pest 

management plan 

• Project staff will follow correct land access procedures of closing fence gates to avoid cattle 

from going across their designated land. 


auditing 

• As per the Draft Social Impact Management Plan 

Reporting and 

corrective 

action 

• Non-compliance and reported incidents will be investigated and closed out. 

• QGC and EPC contractor will maintain records of complaints received and corrective actions 

undertaken to prevent recurrence. 

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6.13 Heritage 


At least four know cultural heritage sites have been identified in close proximity to the proposed pipeline 

route. These include: 

• GFNICH02 – Wambo Creek Causeway 

• GFNICH06 – Remnant Structures 

• GFNICH07 – House 

• GFNICH11 – Hut 


Construction 

The direct impacts of the Pipeline are associated with the construction phase of the Project because postconstruction 

the surrounding ground will be restored. 

The location of cultural heritage places has been considered during the alignment selection process and 

will not be affected by the pipeline construction. 

Operation 

Potential impacts of the Collection Header are restricted with the construction phase of the Project because 

post-construction the surrounding ground will be restored. There will be no additional impacts during 

operation or maintenance of the pipeline. 

Heritage Management Plan 

Table 6.21: Heritage Management Plan 


Policy • To avoid or mitigate impacts on indigenous cultural values 

• To avoid or mitigate impacts on indigenous and non-indigenous material culture and sites of 

cultural heritage significance 

Performance 

criteria 


strategy 

• compliance with Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (ACH Act) and associated Duty of 

Care guidelines 

• compliance with policies and procedures set out in the Cultural Heritage Management Plans 

(CHMP) and Indigenous Land Use Agreements 

• compliance with Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (QH Act) and associated regulations 

• compliance with community expectations regarding protection and management of cultural 

heritage 

• consultation with indigenous traditional owners to identify cultural heritage sites and values 

and determine strategies to protect significant sites and their values 

• site walkovers with representatives from relevant Aboriginal groups 

• full observance and beyond compliance approach to ACH Act requirements 

• ensure cultural heritage component in induction to ensure knowledge of identification of 

sites, and process in terms of notification 

• processes for salvage of indigenous artefacts identified during the construction process in 

accordance with the CHMP 

• maintain buffer area around places of known heritage significance with appropriate signage 

• relocation and archival recording of places and items of non indigenous heritage to be 

impacted upon by development works 

• consultation with local historical museums and historical societies regarding accessioning 

items of moveable heritage unable to be avoided by development works 

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auditing 

• monitoring of sensitive areas by representatives from the relevant Traditional Owner groups 

during clearing and grading and / or trenching operations and during preliminary ground 

disturbance activities group in accordance with ACH Act Duty of Care guidelines 

• monitoring by QGC of compliance with QH Act. 

• monitoring by contractors and construction managers to ensure detailed design and 

Reporting and 

corrective 

action 

construction planning avoids or mitigates impacts on non-indigenous cultural heritage 

• new indigenous heritage sites identified during construction phase will be reported to DERM 

for inclusion in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Register and Database 

• notify the Queensland Police if human remains are discovered to determine whether the 

remains are ancient and/or indigenous. If determined to be indigenous, the DERM 

procedure on the discovery, handling and management of human remains under the 

provisions of the ACH Act will apply. 

• notify the DERM of any discoveries under s.89 of the QH Act 

6.14 Landscape And Character Maintenance 


The routes for pipelines proposed as part of the Pipeline Component of the QCLNG Project traverse 

predominantly freehold lots. However, several leasehold areas and reserves are located along the 

proposed routes. Proposed routes have been selected to avoid major mining leases (ML) or mining lease 

applications (MLA). 

Existing infrastructure such as roads, power lines, railways and other pipelines either intersect or occur in 

proximity to the proposed pipeline route. The depth of the pipe under road crossings will be a minimum 

depth of 1.2m below the bottom of table drains. Pipeline depth under rail crossings will be a minimum of 2 

m under the full width of the rail reserve and trench-less techniques will be used. 

The pipeline routes has been planned to largely avoid residential areas. The key residential and 

recreational areas along the pipeline routes are associated with the townships. 


Construction 

The pipelines will not impose any long-term restrictions on the current use of identified land tenure along 

the routes. 

The main impact of the Project in terms of land use will be primarily during the construction program when 

land used for activities such as agriculture and grazing will be temporarily restricted over the ROW. 

Several quarries and extractive industries have been identified within 5 km of the proposed pipeline route. 

Land overlain by mining permits, claims and leases is subject to the provisions of the Minerals Resources 

Act 1989 (Qld) (MR Act). QGC has considered the relevant provisions of the MR Act in determining the 

current proposed alignment of the Collection Header. Location of the pipeline alignments has been, and will 

continue to be, negotiated with the relevant operators to help ensure that, where practicable, the installed 

pipeline will have limited adverse impacts on future extraction activities and to ensure that extraction 

activities have no adverse impacts on the integrity of the pipeline. 

Where commercially viable quantities of timber are identified for removal, further discussions will be held 

with relevant regional groups within DERM Forest Products, including the Manager, Western Forest 

Management Area (FMA) and Manager, Cypress FMA. The Project schedule is unlikely to allow for 

negotiation or retrieval of commercial timber with DERM at least 18 months before construction begins. 

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Operation 

Once the pipeline is operational, land use impact will be minimal comprising periodic inspections and 

maintenance of the route by QGC. 

Landscape and Character Maintenance Management Plan 

Table 6.22: Landscape and Character Maintenance Management Plan 


Policy 

To minimise the impact on environmental and community values from the location and 

construction of infrastructure. 

Performance 

criteria 

• Respond to all complaints regarding impacts on environmental and community values and, 

where feasible, implement mitigation measures. 

• Consultation with potentially affected stakeholders. 

• Evidence that decision criteria for location of infrastructure includes consideration of 

environmental and community values. 

Implementation • QGC will aim to minimise the impact on rural lifestyle values through: 

strategy 

− appropriate siting of Pipeline infrastructure 

− progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas 

− direct liaison with potentially affected stakeholders. 

• Mitigation measures to reduce impacts on landscape character, land use and existing 

infrastructure include: 

− ensuring appropriate buffers are maintained between the Pipeline and existing and 

planned development, or where this is not practicable, ensuring pipeline design meets 

the safety requirements for developed areas 

− ensuring appropriate discussions with landholders and occupants in relation to the 

provision of access for pipeline construction and ongoing maintenance during operation 

− liaising with mining permit, claim or lease holders to determine the most appropriate 

alignment based on current and future needs and ensuring that existing legislation has 

been considered 

− consultation with infrastructure providers (e.g. regional councils for water pipelines, 

telecommunications providers for fibre optic cables) and “Dial Before You Dig” queries 

to identify other underground infrastructure 

− minimising impacts on Good Quality Agricultural Land (GQAL) by following fence lines 

where practicable and/or minimising construction and camps in areas designated as 

Class A agricultural land or land used for cropping 

− ensuring that associated work areas are minimised in environmentally sensitive areas, 

state forest, and riparian zones 

− ensuring minimal impact on major transport corridors by boring under all sealed State 

controlled roads and railway lines 

− ensuring that the Pipeline is appropriately signposted 

− ensuring appropriate notification and management of noisy and dusty activities 

particularly in proximity to residential areas, roads and schools. 

• Identify all public and private infrastructure within the Project area prior to construction. 

• Seek broad consent from all Native Title claimants for all current and future acts required to 

construct and operate the pipeline. 

• Where commercially viable quantities of millable timber are identified with DERM QGC will 

provide sufficient lead time for DERM to arrange for salvage of this timber. 

• Pipeline infrastructure will not be established, without prior consultation with potentially 

impacted parties, in areas where quarrying activities occur. 

• All precautions will be taken to minimise damage to farm infrastructure. 

• Individual access and entry protocols will be agreed and documented through close 

consultation with all landholders. Care will be taken to minimise disruption to existing 

lifestyles of landholders. 

• The ROW will be progressively rehabilitated. 

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Monitoring and • A record of all instances of non-compliance with this plan will be maintained. 

auditing: • Location and design of infrastructure will be subject to a rigorous selection process where 

potential conflicts with existing land use and landscape character are identified. 

• Actual development sites will be inspected to determine compliance with site selection and 

design requirements. 

Reporting and 

corrective 

action 

• All complaints about impacts on land use and landscape character will be followed up and 

corrective actions taken. 

6.15 Fire Management 


Regional Council Planning Schemes classify areas as having a low, medium and high bushfire risk. The 

pipeline passes through both low and medium bushfire risk areas. 


The following activities, if not appropriately managed have the potential to cause bushfires: 

• Unplanned gas release 

• Fire at chemical or fuel/oil storage 

• Cutting, welding and grinding (hot work) 

• Fire caused in camps (not subject to this application) 

The bushfire risk around the infrastructure (mainline valves, scraper stations and in-line compressor 

station) is low-to-medium because the majority of the surrounding countryside has been cleared for 

pastures or cropping. 

Bushfires resulting from QGC activities or sources other than QGC activities have the potential to impact: 

• biodiversity 

• human safety (personnel and the public) 

• QGC and other party’s infrastructure. 

Fire Management and Prevention Plan 

Table 6.23 



Operational 

Policy 

To minimise the potential for vegetation to catch fire from construction activities and to be 

prepared to manage wildfires or vegetation control by landholders and third parties. 

Performance • Develop and implement and Emergency Response Plan that includes fire management. 

Criteria 

• No unplanned and uncontrolled fires caused by Project Activities. 

• Consultation with all relevant fire management authorities. 


Strategy 

• No uncontrolled fires along the ROW. 

• No build-up of flammable material near hot-work areas. 

• Emergency Response Plan implemented. 

• Safety Management Plan implemented. 

• Permits and approvals sought as required for measures to minimise fire risks. 

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• Open fires, including barbecues, billy fires and vegetation burning, will be banned on the 

Project. 

• Vegetation and other flammable material to be stockpiled well clear of hot-work activities to 

prevent unnecessary build-up of flammable material in working areas. 

• Burning of felled timber and vegetation stockpiles not permitted (re-spreading is preferred). If 

burning should be required (e.g. heavy wooded weed infestation), permits must be obtained 

from the relevant authorities prior to any such activity. 

• Vehicle and machinery exhaust systems will be inspected regularly for leaks and 

accumulated vegetation debris. Fuel systems will be inspected for leaks. 

• Water trucks (used for project road maintenance) will be available for use as fire trucks as 

required. 

• All personnel to be made aware of the risks and management procedures in the event of 

bushfire (see Safety Management Plan). 

• All vehicles equipped with portable fire extinguishers. 

• Precautions will be taken to minimise the risk of fire during welding. Fire extinguishers and a 

water cart will be available to welding crew. All appropriate crew members will be trained in 

the use of firefighting equipment. 

• The Emergency Response Plan shall include details on local contacts for fire fighting 

assistance. 

• The Construction Manager will ensure that all relevant laws with regard to Fire Management 

are adhered to. 

• The Construction Manager will ensure procedures are in place for monitoring fire activity in 

the area. 

• In the even of fire, the Construction Manager will immediately notify the relevant authorities. 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• During construction, the entire length of the ROW and associated access areas will be 

regularly inspected to assess the effectiveness of Fire Management and Prevention 

practices. 

• Inspection of work areas for flammable material. 

• Regular audits of this EMP, will be undertaken, and recommendations and corrective actions 

implemented. 




Manager (see Section 6.22). 

6.16 Dangerous Goods 

There will only be minor quantities of dangerous goods stored at the pipeline locations. Typical materials or 

chemicals stored on site would be those for radiographic inspections of the pipeline; cleaning products 

used to prepare joints for welding and/or coating, cold galvanizing materials, foam for trench breakers and 

chemicals used in hydrotest water (e.g. oxygen scavengers or biocides). These would typically be stored in 

200 L drums and there would be approximately 20 to 30 drums on site at a time. All drums will be stored in 

accordance with the dangerous goods regulations. 

Not all materials and chemicals may be classified as dangerous goods. Diesel is not classified as 

dangerous goods as it has a flashpoint greater than 60.5ºC. 

The Dangerous Goods Management Plan is set out in Table. As personnel numbers and on-site activities 

will be significantly less during the operational phase of the project, this plan is considered appropriate for 

both construction activities and operations. 

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Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances Management Plan 

Table 6.24: Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances Management Plan 

Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances Management Plan 


Policy 

To protect Project personnel, the public and the environment from harm due to the transport, 

storage or use of dangerous goods or hazardous substances. 

Performance • No unplanned release of dangerous goods or hazardous substances. 

Objectives • All transport, storage and handling of dangerous goods or hazardous substances is 

performed in accordance with applicable legislation, guidelines and standards. 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Compliance with license requirements for chemical and fuel storage. 

• Compliance with appropriate Australian Standards and regulations covering the use of the 

chemicals on-site. 

• All relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on-site. 

• No incidents resulting in surface or groundwater contamination. 

• No release of contaminated water from ROW or above-ground facilities. 

• No spills. 

• No refuelling of vehicles and machinery within 100 m of a watercourse; when possible, all 

refuelling will be off-site at dedicated facilities. 

• Provide training for all personnel in handling hazardous materials. 

• Provide and maintain materials and equipment for responding to hazardous spill incidents. 

• Fuels, oils and chemicals will be contained within on-site containment systems and stored 

in accordance with relevant Australian Standards (including AS 1940) and Fire Safety 

regulations. 

• MSDSs for each chemical used will be kept in a location that is easily accessible, 24 hours 

per day. 

• Maintain inventory of all hazardous materials storage volumes and locations. 

• Monitoring of storage, refuelling and worksite areas. 

• Regular ROW inspections. 

• Spills Register (for spills greater than 5 litres). 

• Incident report to be issued for all spills greater than 5 litres. 

• All spills of chemicals or hydrocarbons on-site, regardless of amount or nature of the spill, 

reported to Construction Supervisor. Environmental Manager will advise DERM if further 

action required. 

• Spills to be remediated depending on nature of product (consult with Environmental 

Manager/DERM): 

− Small Hydrocarbon Spill. Apply absorbent material. Rip ground and mix with fertiliser. 

Turn soil three-monthly until no evidence of spill. 

− Large hydrocarbon spill. Consult DERM. 

− Chemical Spill. Application of appropriate absorbent material. Remove effected soil if 

required. 

• Repair and replace faulty equipment as soon as possible. 

6.17 Traffic And Transport 


An existing network of state and regional council controlled roads, as well as access tracks will be required 

to transport equipment and personnel. The Western Rail Line, which connects Brisbane to Miles, could 

potentially be used for transporting pipe and other materials during the construction phase. 

As previously discussed the transport of plant and materials for the pipelines is expected to be a 

combination of shipping, rail and road. 

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The key items to be transported will be: 

• pipe and fittings 

• pre-assembled components (e.g. scraper and meter stations) 

• construction plant and equipment 

• camp facilities. 

In addition, there will be daily movements of construction vehicles servicing the accommodation camps, 

water trucks for dust management and movement of personnel to and from the work areas. 


With the construction and operation of such a large pipeline it is inevitable that there will be impacts on the 

transport infrastructure and network. Particularly, the transportation of the pipeline materials from a port 

facility (Gladstone, Bundaberg or Brisbane) via multi-modal transport and construction within road and rail 

corridors will have an impact on the transport network and infrastructure. 

Transport activities associated with pipeline construction have the potential to: 

• impact on pest and disease strategies within the areas of activity 

• generate dust that may impair visibility within the road reserve 

• remove remnant vegetation within the road reserve 

• damage the road pavement 

• increase traffic flows within the road network. 

Activities with the potential to impact on roads include: 

• extendable semi-trailers delivering pipe to worksites 

• low loaders mobilising construction equipment between worksites 

• increased traffic movement in rural townships (e.g. Wandoan, Miles, Chinchilla, Taroom, Biloela) 

• transporting construction personnel to worksites 

• open-cut crossings of unsealed roads 

• pipeline surveillance and maintenance activities. 

These actions may cause: 

• localised traffic congestion or disruption 

• accelerated deterioration of road pavement integrity 

• introduction and/or spread of pest species 

• dust nuisance to residences. 

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Traffic and Transport Management Plan 

Table 6.25: Traffic and Transport Management Plan 

Traffic and Transport Management Plan 

Policy 

To minimise as much as practicable potential impacts associated with traffic generated by the 

Project. 

Performance • Minimal traffic-related complaints and incidents. 

Criteria 

• To minimize impacts on road pavements, or where this is not practicable, to negotiate 

appropriate contributions or upgrades to road pavement impacts with relevant authorities. 


Strategy 

Monitoring And 

Auditing 

Reporting And 

Corrective 

Action 

• All vehicles travelling to, from and within the Pipelines area during all phases to follow 

relevant traffic management plans. 

• Car pooling and bus services will be implemented where possible to minimise worker 

journeys. 

• Truck deliveries will be take place during hours that present the least risk to road users. 

• Dangerous goods will be transported along preferred routes in accordance with the 

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, and in 

accordance with the Queensland Transport Operations (Road Use Management – 

Dangerous Goods) Regulation 1998, the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994. 

• The transport of oversize loads will be restricted to non-peak periods where possible. 

• Clear signs and signals will be installed to guide traffic movement and increase traffic 

safety. 

• Vehicles will observe Project traffic regulations (i.e. speed limits). 

• Necessary approvals for traffic-related activities to be sought from relevant bodies. 

• Prior to construction works, a traffic or access plan will be prepared in order to minimise the 

impact to landholders. 

• Weed management measures will be implemented to minimise the spread of weed. 

• The number of incidents or complaints received in relation to project traffic will be 

monitored. 

• Potential transport network shortcomings will be reported to the relevant authorities and 

appropriate action taken in agreement with those authorities. 

• Road conditions will be monitored on a regular basis. 

• Transport companies will be audited to ensure compliance with the Traffic Management 

Plan. 

• The occurrence of any traffic incidents or complaints will be recorded by the Environmental 

Officer and reported to the HSSE Manager. 

• All traffic incidents involving Project personnel will be thoroughly investigated. 

• Non-compliance and reported incidents will be investigated and closed out. 

6.18 Waste Management 


There will be a variety of types of waste associated with the construction and operation of the Collection 

Header. Waste types are likely to include: 

• Wastes associated from the delivery of materials and pipe preparation; 

• Hydrostatic test waters; 

• Drilling muds and other synthetic lubricants; 

• Recyclables; 

• Putrescibles from construction camps; and 

• Workshop related wastes 

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QGC is committed to minimise the use of resources and reduce waste wherever possible. Additionally, 

QGC’s resource use and waste management objective is to reduce the risk of harm to people and the 

environment through a reduction of waste generation and careful waste stream management. 


Potential impacts of waste generated by the pipeline activities include: 

• water pollution caused by release or spills of solid or liquid waste either directly to receiving waters or 

indirectly via stormwater run-off to receiving waters from waste-contaminated sites 

• land contamination caused by spills or inappropriate disposal to soils of solid and liquid waste 

• groundwater contamination caused by release or spills of solid or liquid waste to land and subsequent 

transport of mobile or soluble waste constituents to the groundwater resource 

• littering caused by lack of suitable containment measures for general rubbish, scrap metal or other 

waste 

• decreased abundance and altered distribution of fauna and flora 

• increased abundance of vermin and spread of disease 

• loss of vegetation and increasing sodic condition of soils caused by improper release or spills of 

wastewater with high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations. 

All waste material will be removed from the ROW daily or stored on site in skips which will be removed on a 

regular basis. Wastes will be disposed of to a facility agreed to by the Local Government Authority (LGA) 

and in accordance with regulatory waste management guidelines 

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Environmental Management Plans 

Table 6.26: Waste Management Plan (Construction) 

Waste Management Plan (Construction) 

Operational To minimise waste generation and maximise reuse and recycling of construction waste 

Policy 

products. 

To dispose of waste in an appropriate manner. 

Performance 

Criteria 


Strategy 

• No contamination of soil, air or water as a result of inappropriate waste management. 

• Develop and implement a plan for waste minimisation and management. 

• All waste disposal to be carried out by a licensed waste contractor. 

• Waste management practices to not result in loss of health to personnel or sensitive 

receptors. 

General 

• Develop strategies for specific waste streams prior to construction commencing. 

• Develop waste-disposal strategy prior to construction commencing, including the 

identification of suitable disposal locations, in consultation with local communities were 

applicable. 

• Stockpile and salvage reusable and recyclable waste, such as timber skids, pallets, drums 

and scrap metals. 

• Store hazardous wastes in lined, bunded area at least 100 m from watercourses or flood 

plains. 

• Collect and remove (via a licensed contractor) waste oil, solvents and other toxic materials 

from the site for recycling, reuse or disposal at a facility licensed to accept such wastes. 

• Waste oil and chemical storage areas must be bunded in accordance with DERM 

requirements. 

• The ROW, drilling sites, storage areas, camp sites and work areas to be cleared of all 

debris. 

• There will be no on-site burial of waste material. 

• Dispose of vehicle wash-down water in accordance with the Weed and Pest Management 

Plan (refer to Section 0). 

• Collect chemical wastes (e.g. spent pipeline, X-ray film, developer chemicals) in 200 litre 

drums (or similar sealed container), appropriately labelled, for safe transport to an approved 

chemical waste depot or for collection by a liquid waste treatment service. 

• All bonding material and dunnage from transport vehicles and unloading areas is to be 

collected and transported off the ROW to designated disposal areas. The Construction 

Superintendent will advise designated disposal areas for each section of the ROW. 

• All general refuse and food wastes (taking into account health and hygiene issues where 

practicable) to be collected and transported to State Government and/or local government 

approved disposal sites. 

• Refuse containers will be located at each worksite. 

• All personnel shall be instructed in project waste- management practices as a component of 

the environmental induction process. 

Sewage Effluent 

Refer to Section 6.19. 

Hydrotest Water 

• The Environmental Manager will check and approve detailed hydrostatic test water 

discharge procedures. 

• Hydrotest water is not to be discharged directly to waters, but on to adjacent away from 

watercourses. 

• Where biocides are added, ensure that discharge water is aerated. 

• Prior to discharge of hydrotest water, the Environmental Manager shall be consulted about 

requirements for water-quality testing. Where the water source and water quality is known, 

and no chemicals have been added, water-quality testing may not be required. 

• Discharge hydrotest water to land, and in such a way as to ensure no environmental harm 

including preventing run-off into any watercourse or drainage lines, flooding or erosion (e.g. 

against a splash plate or other dispersive device in order to aerate, slow and disperse the 

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Waste Management Plan (Construction) 

flow). 

• All solid waste (e.g. mill scale, construction debris) is to be captured and disposed of 

through the waste management system. 

• Discharge of hydrotest water shall be in compliance with all regulatory and landholder 

requirements and shall not cause environmental harm. 

• The treatment and disposal of hydrotest water containing biocides shall be done in 

accordance with the recommendations made in the CSIRO Manufacturing and 

Infrastructure Technology report (2005). 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• During construction, the entire length of the ROW and associated access areas will be 

regularly inspected to assess the effectiveness of Waste Management Practices. 

• Housekeeping checks will ensure waste is being stored correctly and there is no littering. 

• Regular audits of this EMP will be undertaken, and recommendations and corrective actions 

shall be implemented. 

• Review of old campsite area after relocation. 

• Review of waste-management procedures, and quantity of regulated wastes generated. 




Manager (refer to Section 6.22) 

Table 6.27: Waste Management Plan 

Waste Management Plan (Operation) 


Policy 

To minimise waste generation and maximise reuse and recycling of construction waste products. 

To dispose of waste in an appropriate manner. 

Performance • No contamination of soil, air or water as a result of inappropriate waste management. 

Objectives • Develop and implement a plan for waste minimisation and management. 

• All waste disposal to be carried out by a licensed waste contractor. 

• Waste management practices to not result in loss of health to personnel or sensitive 

receptors. 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Locate refuse containers at above-ground facilities. 

• Where practical, segregated and reuse/recycle wastes (e.g. scrap metal). 

• Dispose of all litter and general waste at a local municipal waste station using an approved 

waste contractor. 

• Instruct all personnel in waste-management practices as a component of the induction 

process. 

• Transport and dispose of all hazardous wastes (i.e. DERM Regulated Wastes, such as oils, 

semi-fluid lubricants and ethylene glycol) by a licensed contractor to an approved facility. 

• Waste fuels, oils and chemicals will be contained within on-site systems and stored in 

accordance with relevant Australian Standards (including AS 1940) and Fire Safety 

regulations. 

• Store and handle all oils and chemical wastes (bunding as per regulatory guidelines) in 

accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and Fire Safety regulations. 

• Maintain records of all regulated wastes stored (and removed) from site. 

• Provide safety and response training for all personnel. 

• Provide and maintain materials and equipment for responding to hazardous spill incidents. 

• Six-monthly operations inspections and regular ROW patrols and surveys. 

• Waste spill observations to be included in reports from pipeline and facility inspections, 

ground patrols and any operational audit undertaken. 

• The Proponent and/or contractor(s) to retrieve and dispose of worksite waste within 

24 hours of notification. 

• Report hazardous waste spills to the Environmental Manager. 

• Water quality analysis of the wastewater discharge to the evaporation pond on an annual 

basis in accordance with the EA. 

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6.19 Effluent Disposal 


The ROW for the Gas Collection Header traverses a variety of different environments ranging from remnant 

vegetation patches through to cleared agricultural land. These environmental values are to be protected 

through the careful location of effluent and sewage sludge producing activities and selection of treatment 

and release methods. 

Any effluent from temporary, mobile toilets along construction right of ways will either be: 

• managed by the relevant contractor and disposed of at an appropriately licensed waste disposal facility 

or 

• transferred to effluent treatment facilities at camps. 


Potential environmental impacts on environmental values for the release of effluent can include: 

• Eutrophication of waters due increased nutrient and organic matter; 

• Impacts associated with the accumulation of toxicants such as heavy metals; 

• Impacts on downstream aquatic communities; 

• Soil contamination; and 

• Public health and safety impacts. 

Effluent Disposal Management Plans 

Table 6.28: Effluent Disposal Management Plan (Construction) 

Effluent Disposal Management Plan (Construction) 

Policy 

To release treated effluent and manage sewage sludge without causing environmental harm. 

Performance • Treated effluent meets quality requirements of design parameters. 

Criteria 

• All sewage sludge is disposed off at an appropriate sewerage disposal facility. 


Strategy 

• Sewage treatment plants will be subject to a site- based management plan, also detailing 

the irrigation of treated effluent. 

• All regulated waste must be recorded and tracked in accordance with the EP regulations, 

which includes keeping records of the pickup date, waste description, quantity, origin and 

destination. 

• Sewage will be treated to Class A Effluent standard 

• Raw sewage will be gravity-fed into a pump well and balance tank(s) and will then flow 

through treatment units composed of a number of components including: 

− a primary tank which undertakes sedimentation, digestion and storage of solid matter 

− balance tank for flow equalisation 

− aeration tank to reduce organic matter 

− clarifier for further removal of residual suspended solids 

− final effluent tank for disinfection and storage of treated water 

− filter feed tank, gravity-fed from the final effluent tank 

− ultra filtration membrane 

− chlorine dosing 

− final treated effluent tank with three days wet-weather storage. 

• Sanitary bio-solids or sludge from camp sewage treatment operations will be disposed at 

commercially licensed offsite facilities as necessary. 

• Sludge from the onsite wastewater treatment facilities will be pumped out periodically and 

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Effluent Disposal Management Plan (Construction) 

transported to the nearest licensed wastewater treatment works. 

• The effluent disposal system will consist of a fenced (sediment fencing and bund). 

• The final treatment method will be selected in consultation with the relevant Council and 

DERM. 


Auditing 

Reporting And 

Corrective 

Action 

• Significant sewage treatment plants with irrigation mechanisms will be tested every six 

months and be subject to daily, weekly and monthly checks. 

• Daily treated effluent discharge limits to be reviewed monthly. 

• The annual audit will encompass effluent waste tracking. 

• The waste transfer station will record all wastes that it manages on-site. 

• Soil and water quality in and around irrigation areas will be tested on a regular basis. 

• The quality of treated effluent discharged to land will be monitored in accordance with the 

Project derived quality requirements. 

• The waste transfer station will use an on-site EHS and EMS program to manage all wastes. 

• Any non-compliance with sewage management plans will be followed up and corrective 

actions taken 

• Irrigation regimes will be amended depending on the results of soils and water quality 

monitoring. 

During Pipeline operations there will not be any camps requiring management of effluent. 

6.20 Rehabilitation 


Rehabilitation of disturbed areas will be undertaken to reinstate the area to the state of the surrounding 

environment and pre-disturbance land use, both immediately and gradually as the particular areas require. 

The ROW of the Gas Collection Header will be partially reinstated immediately upon completion of 

construction. These works will be carried out in accordance with the Australian Pipeline Industry Associate 

(APIA) Code. To ensure appropriate revegetation techniques for the differing land types along the ROW, 

rehabilitation plans will be developed and implemented which are tailored to specific vegetation 

communities or land classifications such as State Forest areas. Rehabilitation activities are likely to include: 

• Retain and store topsoil to ensure it can be re-instated and the seed bank remains viable to support 

natural regeneration; 

• Re-profiling natural contours and drainage lines to their original profile to the greatest extent practicable 

with topsoil spread across the ROW to minimise erosion and promote vegetation regrowth; 

• Re-spreading mulch or felled vegetation across the ROW for stability and/or fauna habitat and to 

support the natural regeneration process; 

• Installation of permanent erosion and sediment controls to shed runoff from the altered surface; 

• Restoration of watercourses by installing, as required, jute matting on the banks, contour berms on the 

high bank, rock lining the creek base to minimise scour, and limiting the use of fertilizers; 

• Direct seeding with a standard QGC mix approved by the landholder. 

Table 6.29: Revegetation and Rehabilitation Management Plan 

Revegetation and Rehabilitation Management Plan 

Operational To restore, as far as reasonably practicable, land to its pre-construction land form and vegetation 

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Policy 

cover. 

Performance 

Criteria 

• All significantly disturbed land is rehabilitated so that the distribution of vegetation 

communities represent that of adjacent areas and the pre-disturbed distribution. 


Strategy 

• Analogue sites to be established for comparative monitoring are to represent the land 

use(s), topographic and soil characteristics and vegetation community(ies) of each area to 

be rehabilitated prior to rehabilitation commencing. 

• Natural regeneration of native vegetation will be allowed to occur except within those areas 

required for ongoing maintenance and over the top of the buried pipeline. Large trees will 

not be permitted to grow within 5m either side of the pipeline. 

• The re-establishment of native vegetation will include the shrubby understorey and ground 

cover, providing habitat for small ground dwelling fauna species and restoration of 

landscape connectivity. 

• Site specific rehabilitation plans are to be prepared by the construction contractor in 

relation to all areas of remnant vegetation and mapped areas of MNES prior to 

commencement of rehabilitation in these areas. These plans will contain further detail on 

the regional ecosystem, species composition and habitat values present prior to clearing, 

document and map the location of the area, how rehabilitation will be conducted and 

performance criteria. The following rehabilitation performance criteria will be used as a 

guide when preparing such plans: 

i. The rehabilitated site shows distinct and progressive re-establishment of the various 

strata which characterises the pre-disturbed vegetation communities; 

ii. All dominant species within each strata are re-established at densities and frequencies 

equivalent to that of the pre-disturbed site; 

iii. Habitat structures, including (but not limited to) litter cover, fallen woody material, hollow 

logs, etc. should be re-established to reflect the pre-disturbed values; 

iv. Suitable analogue sites are to be used for measuring rehabilitation success that 

represent the land use(s), topographic and soil characteristics and vegetation 

community(ies) of each area to be rehabilitated. 

• Within two years from completion of pipeline construction the rehabilitation will result in 

self-sustaining vegetation cover with a species diversity similar to that of surrounding 

undisturbed areas and the pre-clearing vegetation. 

• No weed species introduced. 

• Rehabilitation area stabilised with appropriate sediment and erosion control measures with 

no significant erosion events until vegetation is self-sustaining or at least the first twelve 

months. 

Prior to clearing, the native vegetation which is present will be surveyed as part of pre-clearance 

surveys to document such features as the regional ecosystem, species composition and 

condition. 

• Analogue sites will be established prior to rehabilitation commencing to establish 

benchmarks for rehabilitation, compare against the rehabilitation progress and verify 

compliance with performance objectives. 

• Topsoil will be appropriately separated and stockpiled and reinstated within one month of 

completion of all construction activities in that area. For watercourses which drain an 

existing and named river, creek or tributary (not ephemeral) reinstatement will occur prior to 

the end of the shift if not immediately post backfill to ensure impacts are minimised. 

• Re-profiling natural contours and drainage lines to their original profile to the greatest 

extent practicable taking into account landscape features and variation. 

Pipeline Weed Management Plan to be implemented and no weed species introduced. 

• Rehabilitation area stabilised with no significant erosion events. 

• Respread felled native vegetation and timber over the ROW (but maintaining operational 

access to the buried pipe) to assist natural regeneration and provide habitat for grounddwelling 

fauna. 

• Site specific rehabilitation plans will be prepared by the construction contractor prior to 

rehabilitation commencing. These will address as a minimum areas of remnant vegetation 

and confirmed MNES ecological communities and species habitats. These site specific 

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rehabilitation plans will include further detail regarding specific rehabilitation measures and 

performance criteria. 

• Compacted ground is to be treated appropriately to remove any impediment to revegetation, 

however in the case of Brigalow rehabilitation, ground disturbance is to be minimised to 

encourage suckering. 

• No burning of felled vegetation or deliberate lighting of fires. Felled vegetation should be 

redistributed to provide fauna habitat and to assist in revegetation and erosion control. This 

will further encourage regrowth within these communities, as well as minimise weed 

infestations. 

• Vegetation shall not be pushed into gullies, waterways or other drainage lines. 

• When re-spreading on slopes, tree trunks should be along the line of the contour. The root 

ball for large trees should be left lying to the outer edge of the ROW. 

• Felled vegetation should be re-spread in “filter strips” NOT distributed across the entire ROW 

so that access is prevented during operations and any erosion or subsidence will be 

apparent during subsequent monitoring inspections. 

• Revegetation should occur naturally and in line with pre-disturbance vegetation communities 

and surrounding vegetation. Restoration activities will comply with the Pipeline EA and 

Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP). 

• Areas where natural regeneration has not occurred and/or plant growth is not advancing after 

twelve months, an investigation will be undertaken to determine issues (such as topsoil 

inversion) and rectification carried out. This may include direct seeding with native species of 

local provenance (or with existing dominant surrounding pasture species where the previous 

land use was grazing land). Use of tube stock or other more intensive measures will be 

considered in areas where SSMPs recommend greater intervention. 

• Any re-seeding plan implemented will be based on soil type and existing local ground layer 

vegetation characteristics (i.e. native or improved pastures) along the route. The type of 

species to be used, density of plantings etc will be determined as part of the development of 

the site specific rehabilitation plans. 

• No areas will be left in an unstable condition. 

• No unplanned change in drainage patterns will occur to avoid increased soil erosion. 

• Drainage patterns will be reinstated correctly. 

• Re-spread and compact subsoil over the trench, with crown development, and use subsoil for 

the construction of contour banks on steep slopes and above banks at water crossings. 

• The ROW, all work areas, temporary access tracks and other areas that have been 

compacted by construction activities to be ripped or scarified to relieve compaction and to 

trap water and seed. Particular attention will be paid to areas subject to regular watering and 

high traffic. 

• Compaction relief to be carried out along the contours (parallel) to minimise rilling. 

• Drainage lines to be restored as appropriate. 

• Any wheel ruts to be graded and erosion-control measures installed. 

• Temporary access roads not required for operations or to be retained by the landowner to be 

closed and reinstated to a condition compatible with the surrounding land use. 

• Where access routes are to be retained, but are not public 

(i.e. existing tracks), the entry to be blocked and disguised (e.g. by dog-legging or felled 

vegetation spreading). 

• Access tracks in existence prior to construction are not to be blocked in anyway. 

• New access tracks to be retained at the request of the landowner must be documented by 

agreement and confirmed with the Environmental Manager before departure. 

• Flagging used to identify clearing boundaries and sensitive features to be removed. 

• Permanent erosion and sediment control measures are to be installed where necessary. 

Existing soil-erosion measures will be reinstated to a condition at least equal to the 

pre-existing state (refer also to Section 6.10). 

• Above-ground infrastructure (e.g. valves and pigging stations) to be fenced to discourage 

third-party, stock and wildlife entry. 

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• Permanent pipeline warning signs to be erected along the ROW in accordance with AS2885. 

• All waste materials and equipment to be removed from the pipeline construction area once 

backfilling and tie-ins are completed (refer to Section 6.18). 

• Where revegetation of the ROW has not commenced by the end of construction, stabilisation 

of areas at risk of erosion (e.g. watercourse banks and approaches) will be carried out (e.g. 

placement of rock, timber or jute matting) as instructed by the Environmental Manager – 

Constructor and/or person suitably qualified in soil-erosion controls. 

• Use quick-growing and (preferably) native species and/or those that are compatible with the 

adjacent grazing uses to provide cover in highly erodible areas. 

• If in the unlikely event imported topsoil (of an appropriate quality and weed free) is required 

for construction-corridor repairs, this will only be used with landholder approval. 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Analogue sites to be established for comparative monitoring are to represent the land use(s), 

topographic and soil characteristics and vegetation community(ies) of each area to be 

rehabilitated prior to rehabilitation commencing. 

• Parameters to be measured in the analogue site for comparison against rehabilitated sites to 

determine rehabilitation success include as a minimum: 

• Flora species richness and diversity; 

• A description of the structural strata present; 

• Dominant species within each strata; 

• Associated stem count densities; 

• Percentage foliage cover. 

• Regular weekly inspections following reinstatement works will be undertaken to evaluate 

weeds, stability and rehabilitation success until the site is considered stable. Inspections will 

then be relaxed to monthly inspections to assess for ongoing success. 

• After the initial twelve months, monitoring will be undertaken quarterly for the next twelve 

months at which time the vegetation should be self-sustaining and not require significant 

weed control or maintenance input. 

• Monitoring will then occur annually until the rehabilitation has met the performance objectives 

as detailed in the site specific rehabilitation plans. Guiding principles are outlined above. 

• Monitoring will also include an assessment of the effectiveness of weed-control measures. 

• The process of monitoring and rehabilitation will conclude only once the site becomes stable 

and rehabilitation achieves the performance objectives. 

• Regular audits of this EMP will be undertaken, and recommendations and corrective actions 

implemented. 




Manager (see Section 6.22) 

• Areas where natural regeneration has not been successful after twelve months, an 

investigation will be undertaken to determine issues (such as topsoil inversion) and 

rectification carried out. This may include direct seeding with native species of local 

provenance (or with existing dominant surrounding pasture species where the previous land 

use was grazing land). Use of tube stock or other more intensive measures will be considered 

in areas where SSMPs recommend greater intervention. 

Revegetation and rehabilitation will take place following construction of the Pipelines. Any further 

disturbance during operations will be managed in accordance with the Revegetation and Rehabilitation 


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6.21 Decommissioning 


When infrastructure is no longer in use (operating as part of the CSG production process), QGC will 

decommission any part of the Collection Header in accordance with the regulatory requirements and 

accepted Best Management Environmental Practice of the day. 

Prior to final decommissioning of these facilities, QGC will investigate potential environmental issues and 

impacts associated with the abandonment in accordance with Guidelines for the Assessment and 

Management of Contaminated Land and rehabilitation requirements set out in the current Environmental 

Authorities for Petroleum Activities. 

Decommissioning Plan 

Table 6.30: Decommissioning Plan 

Decommissioning Plan 

Policy 

To decommission Project facilities such that they do not present and ongoing environmental risk. 

To plan for decommissioning in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 

Performance 

Criteria 

Develop and implement, in consultation with stakeholders, a detailed decommissioning plan for 

all facilities prior to the end of their useful life. 


Strategy 

• A decommissioning and rehabilitation plan will be prepared prior to the Project ramp down, 

utilising information acquired during progressive rehabilitation. 

• Decommissioning of the Pipeline is expected to be completed in three phases: 

− dismantling and removal of the above-ground facilities 

− destruction and removal of hardstand areas 

− restoration and rehabilitation of land in accordance with DERM requirements or as 

agreed with landholders. 

• General decommissioning principles for different infrastructure types are as follows: 

− Inactive, buried pipelines will be decommissioned in situ consistent with the requirements 

of the AS 2885. 

− The removal of below-ground structures (e.g. pipes) may cause unnecessary 

environmental disturbance. It is therefore expected that the pipe will be left in the ground. 

The abandoned pipe shall be purged of gas, filled with an inert substance and cathodic 

protection devices and associated utility structures left intact. This will prevent ground 

subsidence associated with the corrosion of the pipe, which may result in surface-water 

diversion, ponding and erosion. Below-ground facilities will be cut off and blinded below 

ground level. All sites shall be rehabilitated following completion of termination. 

− All above-ground structures, such as scraper stations, valves, meter stations, sales taps 

and dedicated communication systems, will be removed. 

− If buildings are removed, the ground will be ripped and rehabilitated. 

− Access tracks will be decommissioned should they not be required by the landholder. 

− Consideration will be given to alternate use of buildings as circumstances allow, and the 

sites restored accordingly. 

− Accommodation camps, administration buildings and warehouses will be removed from 

the site, unless a landholder requests to retain aspects of this infrastructure. 

• All sites shall be left clean and safe. 


Auditing 

Reporting And 

Corrective 

Action 

• Compliance with the Decommissioning Plan will be audited during the decommissioning 

phase 

• All instances of non-compliance with the Decommissioning Plan will be recorded. 

• Decommissioning and rehabilitation success will be monitored for a period agreed with the 

relevant authorities. 

• Any instances of non-compliance with the Decommissioning Plan will be investigated and 

corrective action taken. 

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6.22 Incidents And Complaints 

An environmental incident will be regarded as any incident that harms or has the potential to harm 

environmental and social values. In the event that an environmental incident occurs, the following steps will 

be followed immediately: 

• Prevention of further pollution/environmental harm (including impacts on air, water quality, flora and 

fauna and noise environment) 

• Clean-up and/or control of polluting substance(s) 

• Implementation of mitigation measures to prevent recurrence of similar incident 

• Reporting and documenting of incident and instigation of incident 

• Investigation in accordance with BG Group Standards. 

All environmental incidents, near-misses and hazards will be reported via the Synergi incident reporting 

system in accordance with the BG Group Standard for incident reporting. Complaints will be handled by the 

Land Access and Communications teams in the first instance, who will liaise with the complainant(s), the 

Environment Team and the Environment Manager for an effective resolution. The Environment Manager 

has responsibility to ensure that all complaints are addressed and appropriately closed off. 

The Incident and Complaint Management Plan is set out in Table. As management and response to 

incidents and complaints will remain consistent throughout the life of the project, this management plan is 

considered appropriate for both construction activities and operations. 

Incident and Complaint Management Plan 

Table 6.31: Incidents and Complaints Management Plan 

Incidents and Complaints Management Plan 

Operational 

Policy 

To have a process whereby all complaints can be lodged and responded to in an appropriate 

manner. 

Performance • Record all complaints and responses in an incidents and complaints register. 

Criteria 

• Respond appropriately to all incidents and complaints. 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• All environmental incidents will be recorded in the Synergi database, with corrective actions 

assigned and followed up by the responsible person for a particular incident. 

• The complaints form will document at least the following information: 

− Time, date and nature of complaint. 

− Type of communication (telephone, letter, email, visit). 

− Name, contact address and contact number (if provided). 

− Response and investigation undertaken as a result of the complaint. 

− Action taken and signature of person investigating complaint. 

• Each complaint will be investigated as soon as practicable and, where appropriate, action 

taken to remedy the cause of the complaint. If DERM advises alleged nuisance, it will be 

investigated and DERM advised of any action proposed or undertaken, and records will be 

kept of all complaints. 

• The Environmental Officer will maintain the complaints register and ensure all complaints are 

resolved. The complaint form will be checked by the Environmental Officer within two weeks 

of complaint receipt to ensure follow-up action has been taken to resolve the issue. 

• Where required, the relevant authorities will be informed of complaints. 

• All complaints and incidents are to be reported to the Environmental Officer, who will report to 

the relevant Manager. 

• Should further incidents occur or complaints be received in relation to previous occurrences, 

an appropriate selection of the following corrective actions will be undertaken: 

− Additional environmental awareness training of the workforce with respect to the 

procedures to be followed for environmental incidents or complaints. 

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Incidents and Complaints Management Plan 

− Investigation into why the incident/complaint was not addressed within the specified 

timeframe. 

− Incident/complaint follow-up according to the results of the investigation. 

− Where required, work place practices will be reviewed. 

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6.23 Environmental Induction And Training 

Impacts to the environmental values from pipeline activities have the potential to occur during both the 

construction and operation components of the project. All relevant personnel with management and 

operational responsibilities for the Project will receive training and an induction to ensure they are familiar 

with the relevant management systems and requirements, as appropriate to their roles and responsibilities. 

The purpose of the training is to ensure all individuals are aware of their environmental responsibilities and 

have obtained the skills and competence to fulfil such responsibilities. 

The Environmental Induction and Training Plan is set out in Table 6.31. As personnel numbers and on-site 

activities will be significantly less during the operational phase of the project, this plan is considered 

appropriate for both construction activities and operations. 

Environmental Induction and Training Plan 

Table 6.32: Environmental Induction and Training Plan 

Environmental Induction and Training Plan 

Operational 

Policy 

To ensure that all Project personnel, including contractors, comply with the environmental 

requirements of all tasks. 

Performance 

Criteria 

• All personnel undergo site inductions and, where necessary, additional training, that address 

environmental requirements of Project activities. 

• Full compliance with induction and training procedures. 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting and 

Corrective 

Action 

• Training programs will be conducted as required. 

• All site staff to be made aware of the Project EMP, EA conditions, environmentally sensitive 

areas and environmental responsibilities. 

• Identify the skills required to effectively implement the Project; and the EMP and its 

procedures or sub plans. Ensure the skills of relevant contractors working on the site are also 

included. 

• As a minimum, everyone will have basic environmental training and be familiar with the EMP, 

their roles and responsibilities detailed in it and what it requires in their job. 

• Develop an induction training plan that explains environmental obligations, the purpose of the 

EMP and any issues new starters, whether permanent or contractors, must be aware of. 

• Identify and describe how specific operations’ skills training will occur, when and with which 

staff. Ensure all site staff are aware of their responsibilities in implementing work instructions 

or procedures contained in the EMP. 

• Ensure a document exists that clearly lists who will require training, the frequency of training 

and the procedure to document training activities. Identify to what basic level or standard 

training will be targeted. 

• The success of the training programs will be assessed and documented. 

• Non-compliance with training will be recorded 

• In the event of a staff member not being adequately trained or inducted, training activities will 

be undertaken as necessary. 

• The training or induction programme will be revised accordingly. 

6.24 Emergency Response For Environmental Incidents 

Impacts to the environmental values from pipeline activities have the potential to occur during both the 

construction and operation components of the project. Appropriate emergency response needs to be in 

place for the life of the project. The Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents Management Plan is 

set out in Table 6.33. 

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Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents Management Plan 

Table 6.33: Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents Management Plan 

Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents Management Plan 

Policy 

To ensure that Project personnel can respond effectively and efficiently in the event of an 

environmental incident to ensure no long-term adverse impacts on health, safety or the 

environment. 

Performance 

Criteria 


Strategy 


Auditing 

Reporting And 

Corrective 

Action 

• Any emergency response addressed in accordance with the QGC Emergency Management 


• Nil government notices. 

• A detailed Crisis and Emergency Management Plan will be prepared and will include the 

following: 

− Response procedures in the event of a fire, chemical release, spill, leak, explosion, 

equipment failure, bomb threat, natural disaster (including severe storm and flood 

events) or any other likely emergency. 

− Communication arrangements and contact details. 

− Roles and responsibilities of relevant personnel. 

− Emergency controls and alarms. 

− Evacuation procedures. 

− Emergency response equipment. 

− Leak detection and control points. 

− Training requirements. 

− Site access and security. 

− Notify and report to DERM. 

− Develop callout response plan. 

− Spill-containment procedure. 

− Safely recover spillage. 

− Clean-up and rehabilitation. 

− Incident investigation. 

− ER training (refer Section 6.31 Error! Reference source not found.). 

− Monitoring and detection systems. 

− Callout contact lists. 

− Measures to halt spill [i.e. control pumps, etc. 

− Personnel responsibilities. 

− Equipment requirements. 

− Location, storage, maintenance and transport of equipment to site. 

− Communications and logistics. 

• The effectiveness of the emergency response plan will be tested at least annually and 

audited. 

• The Corporate HSSE Manager will be responsible for compiling the results of testing and 

auditing programs. These results will be reported to the relevant Manager. 

• The following constitute incidents or failure to comply: 

1. Emergency response plan is not prepared or implemented. 

2. Emergency response equipment is not provided. 

3. Emergency response training is not undertaken. 

4. Emergency response procedures not followed in the event of an incident. 

• In the event of an incident or failure to comply, a selection of the following actions will be 

undertaken, as appropriate: 

1. Prepare or implement the emergency response plan. 

2. Provide the necessary equipment or training. 

3. Investigate why the emergency response procedures were not followed and implement 

mitigating measures. 

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7.0 STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK PROCEDURES 

QGC has prepared Stakeholder Feedback Procedures which describes the process for making a complaint 

or grievance as well as receiving, handling, monitoring and tracking complaints or grievances regarding any 

actions or activities undertaken by QGC. 

The stakeholder feedback mechanisms include: 

• A free call 1800 number where communities can lodge complaints or concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days 

per week 

• Stakeholder email address: community@qgc.com.au and info@qclng.com.au 

• Direct contract with QGC employees 

• Feedback forms 

• External third parties 

• The Grievance Procedure stipulates: 

• Timeframes for QGC to respond to complaints 

• Investigation roles and responsibilities for investigating, auctioning and reporting 

• Tracking of progress 

• Appeals process and procedures 

• Management review. 

QGC’s stakeholder feedback procedure has been developed and is available on the QCLNG website: 

http://www.qclng.com.au/. 

8.0 INSPECTION AND AUDITING PROGRAM 

The QCLNG Environment Team will be required to conduct: 

• regular inspections (at least quarterly) on those activities being conducted in the area covered by this 

EM Plan 

• an annual audit of the activities being conducted over the year as part of this EM Plan and determine a 

level of compliance with this EM Plan and the Environmental Authority by QGC and its contractors 

• audit all registers such as licensing and permitting, waste, legal, discharges etc to determine the 

adequacy of the records being kept. 

All audit findings are to be reported to the General Managers of the QCLNG Project for: 

• Environment 

• Project Delivery (Gas Fields, Pipeline and LNG) 

• BG Group HSSE. 

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9.0 RECORD KEEPING 

The QCLNG Environment Team and any QCLNG Contractors will be required to keep the following records 

as a minimum: 

• Environmental training and induction 

• Complaints and incidents 

• Inspection and Audit details including findings 

• Corrective actions 

• Regulatory waste records 

• Any other records prescribed by a government agency through the licensing and permitting of these 

activities. 

10.0 MANAGEMENT REVIEW AND REPORTING 

The General Manager QCLNG Environment will be responsible for coordinating a number of management 

reviews and reporting this to the appropriate levels of the organisation. Review will be conducted as a 

minimum: 

• Annually on the environmental performance of the QCLNG Project 

• After any inspection or audits 

• Post the implementation of any corrective actions for serious environmental issues 

• Annually for corrective actions across the QCLNG Project to determine any systemic breach of those 

commitments made as part of the QCLNG Project acceptance and approval stages. 

11.0 GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC REPORTING 

The BG Group and QGC is committed to ensuring openness and transparency in communicating with 

Government agencies and the community in which we work. To this end, the activities described in this EM 

Plan will be reported through: 

• Community consultation committees 

• BG environmental and social public reporting processes including the Annual Environmental and Social 

Report which is presented at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders 

• Annual Report requirements as determined by the EP Act 

• Any reporting requirements as determined by the P&G Act 

• Any reporting requirements as determined through the Coordinator General’s report issued for the 

QCLNG Project. 

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12.0 CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT 

QGC is working in close collaboration with the EPC Contractors for the Gas Field and Pipeline Components 

to find ways of minimising those environmental and social impacts identified in this EM Plan. 

Through the implementation of the QGC and BG Group plc business principles relating to environment and 

social performance, QGC will continue to find and implement ways to reduce impacts and deliver positive 

outcomes through each stage of the Project. 

The results of site inspections, audits and incident reports will be used to drive continuous improvement, 

along with internal environmental performance reviews, conducted as part of the BG Group performance 

management framework. 

Following any justified complaints and corrective actions, this EM Plan will be reviewed to determine if 

mitigations measures need to be updated or improved. 

Following any changes to engineering design, this EM Plan will be reviewed to determine if mitigation 

measures need to be updated or improved. 

Following any environmental incidents resulting in environmental harm, this EM Plan will be reviewed and 

mitigation measures improved to ensure that the risk of future incidents is minimised. 

All major BG operated assets shall operate under a certified Management System to the international 

standard ISO 14001:2004 within 2 years of acquisition or start up. The adoption of this System will ensure 

that continual improvement is driven through all aspects of the Project and throughout the life of the 

QCLNG Project. 

This EM Plan will be reviewed annually by the QCLNG Environment Team and its effectiveness in 

managing the environmental impacts of the pipeline works will be reported internally through the QGC/BG 

reporting framework and through the annual return process required as part of the Environmental Authority 

issued for this pipeline works. 

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