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Public Information Booklet
resume normal behaviour patterns and return to the area once the sediment settles.
Once dredging ceases, the time taken for sediment to settle depends on the ocean
conditions and the sediment size, however is not likely to be more than 24 hrs.
Some sea life such as seagrass, algae etc are potentially at risk of smothering as
sediment settles from a dredge plume. The environmental impact assessment will
increase our understanding of the areas likely to be impacted and the level of impact.
Question - What is the policy regarding the removal of clam and trumpet shells?
Will efforts be made to re-locate them?
Efforts will be made to understand the likely presence of clams, trumpet shells and other
species of concern in the area through the marine studies and environmental impact
assessment, and in consultation with Traditional Owners. Based on an understanding of
the distribution of these animals and the likely area to be effected, an assessment can be
made on the likely impact from any losses of individuals within this population. It is
anticipated that the proportion of habitat that will be lost relative to the available suitable
habitat will be minimal. However, through the impact assessment we intend to
understand where the critical habitats occur and minimise impacts to these locations.
The ability to relocate individual shells will be severely restricted and currently would not
be considered likely because:
� it will be difficult to locate individual shells in the construction area;
� it will be unsafe to work anywhere near the dredging activities to collect the shells;
� shell collection would require diving which is also a dangerous activity that is
avoided wherever possible; and
� the populations are anticipated to be widespread in the area and therefore resilient
in relation to any direct losses of individuals in the LNG Precinct port area.
Commitments to minimise impacts on clams and trumpet shells can be picked up in either
the environmental and/or cultural heritage management plans that will be included as part
of the ILUA (or ILUAs) for the Precinct and/or proponentís project.
Question ñ What offshore drilling is required for the jetty?
Drilling for the jetty will be required firstly to understand the marine geology (material
type) via geotechnical surveys (drilling and other ground studies) and then secondly to
install the piles for the jetty.
The geotechnical investigations for the marine works, including the jetty, will be
conducted in a particular order. Firstly, this will require drilling to understand foundation
conditions. This will involve drilling several bore holes to build an early understanding of
the geology/ground conditions. Once the initial understanding is obtained a more
detailed and thorough investigation will be required. The exact number bore holes to be
drilled is not yet finalised, but is likely to be between 20 and 40 holes. Depending on the
results of these drill holes, additional drilling may be required for design purposes.
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