Review of Environmental Factors - Transport for NSW - NSW ...

The immediate area around the site has been cleared previously. There are several trees along the rail corridorfive meters west of the site and along the riparian zone 15 metres north of the site. RailCorp vegetation mappingindicates that the site is in a section of the rail corridor that is subject to slashing has scattered weeds.There are 84 species declared as noxious weeds for the Wollongong LGA. Weed control is enforceable byWollongong City Council, as the local control authority under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.Potential ImpactsWhile there are several threatened species known to be present in the Wollongong LGA, the site is in adisturbed area adjacent to the rail corridor, an area where there is no bushland or dense vegetation.The works are not expected to impact on any listed threatened species or endangered ecological communities(EECs). Given the absence of suitable habitat, it is unlikely that any threatened fauna species will be present inthe area.As such, the proposed works will not affect, threaten or have a significant impact on any ecologicalcommunities, plants or animals listed under the EPBC Act and/or TSC Act. Referral to the CommonwealthMinister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities for further consideration orapproval in relation to potential flora and fauna impacts associated with the works is not considered necessary.Similarly, the preparation of a Species Impact Statement under NSW legislation to further consider the impactsof the proposal on any threatened plants or animals is not considered necessary.Excavation work has the potential to affect nearby trees if roots are damaged during excavation or equipmentcollides with trees. The nearest trees are about five metres from some excavation sites, which should be asufficient distance to avoid adverse impacts.Once soil has been disturbed there is the potential for the spread of weeds. Noxious weeds are known to occurin the Wollongong area.With regard to fauna, the work will not remove vegetation or any other features considered as potential habitatfor fauna (threatened or otherwise). Animals could potentially fall into an open trench and become trapped orinjured. Trapped animals could be accidentally entombed during the backfilling of trenches.No operational impacts are expected.Possible Control MeasuresImpacts on flora and fauna throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control measureswhich may include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below.• No trees will be removed.• Care will be taken to avoid damage to the existing trees and tree roots.• Care will be taken to minimise the spread of weeds. Appropriate management and disposal of any noxiousweeds, will be undertaken in consultation with Wollongong City Council.• The work site will be inspected for any trapped or injured fauna at the start of each day.Page 33 of 67