m2g operation environmental management plan

Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer: Operation Environmental Management Plan Version 2

January 2014

Date this document takes effect: 28 Jan 14 Replaces previous issue dated: 3 May 12 M2G Operation Environmental

Management Plan

Authorised by: Manager Environment & Sustainability of 104

THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED. VERIFY ISSUE STATUS BEFORE USE.

Certificate of approval for issue of documents Title Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer: Operation Environmental

Management Plan

Version 2

Document status Final

Date of issue 28 Jan 14

Position Name Signature Date

Prepared by Environmental Project Officer May McDonald-Cox 04 Jan 13

Reviewed by Senior Officer Environmental Performance and Systems

Benjamin Bryant 01 Dec 13

Senior Environmental Officer Chris Pulkkinen 01 Dec 13

Approved by Manager Environment & Sustainability

Bronwen Butterfield 28 Jan 14

Document revision control

Version Author Date Description Approval

1 Simon Webber 3 May 12 Version approved by regulator 3 May 12

2 May McDonald-Cox 28 Jan 14 Revision to reflect new ACTEW Water corporate governance arrangements & Feb 13 OEMP audit findings/recommendations

28 Jan 14

© ACTEW Corporation Ltd

This publication is copyright and contains information that is the property of ACTEW Corporation Ltd. It may be reproduced for the purposes of use while engaged on ACTEW commissioned projects, but is not to be communicated in whole or in part to any third party without prior written consent.

Disclaimer This document has been prepared for ACTEW and is to be used for internal purposes. No warranty is given as to its suitability for any other purpose.


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Contents Contents.............................................................................................................................. 3

Acronyms ........................................................................................................................... 4

Register of significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s) ........................................................................................................ 6

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 10

2. Statutory Framework............................................................................................... 18

3. Management Structures ......................................................................................... 19

4. Environmental Policy and Planning Framework .................................................. 21

5. Standards and Performance Measures................................................................. 23

6. Compliance Tracking Program - Operations ........................................................ 27

7. Environmental Monitoring ...................................................................................... 32

8. Auditing .................................................................................................................... 34

9. Communication and Consultation ......................................................................... 35

10. Record Keeping and Document Control ............................................................ 36

11. Training ................................................................................................................. 37

12. Review and Improvement of OEMP .................................................................... 39

13. Appendices ........................................................................................................... 41 A. Project Obligations ............................................................................................... 42 B. M2G Roles and Responsibilities .......................................................................... 61 C. Environment Reference Group Terms of Reference ........................................... 65 D. Risk Assessment ................................................................................................. 75 E. Community Information Plan ............................................................................... 82 F. ACTEW Environment Policy .............................................................................. 103


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Acronyms ACT Australian Capital Territory

ACTPLA ACT Planning & Land Authority

ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Conservation Council

ARMCANZ Agriculture & Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand

Cth Commonwealth

DIPNR NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources

DP&I NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure

DECC(W) NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change (and Water) – now NSW Office of Environment & Heritage and NSW Office of Water

EEC Endangered Ecological Communities

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

ER Environmental Representative

ERG Environmental Reference Group

ESDD Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate

Ha Hectare

HLPS High Lift Pump Station

INP NSW Industrial Noise Policy

kV Kilo Volt

LLPS Low Lift Pump Station

LMA Land Management Agreement

M2G Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer

NES National Environmental Significance

NSW New South Wales

OEMP Operation Environmental Management Plan


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PPR Preferred Project Report

SDLP Sustainable Diversion Limit Plan

SEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities – now Commonwealth Department of the Environment (DotE)


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Register of significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)

Previous relevant document: M2G Operation Environmental Management Plan, version 1, May 2012 Table 1.1 significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)

Subject Description of change/addition Reference within this plan

General Reference to ActewAGL was deleted throughout the document and replaced with ACTEW, since the Water Division is no longer part of ActewAGL. OEMP footer text was also revised to comply with corporate document control procedures to address Observation of Concern #006 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. All audit reports are available on the ACTEW website: www.actew.com.au

This plan

Introduction ‘Shutdown’ replaced with ‘suspension’ to be consistent with the wording of AS 2885.3 2012 Section 10.2.7 for operation of a suspended pipeline.

1

Purpose of the OEMP

The following dot point was removed from this section:

• No change occurs to the physical, chemical or biological condition of waters affected by the transfer.

This is an additional requirement which is unnecessary and unachievable given the very nature of the project which will have an environmental impact, albeit managed through the OEMP and sub plans. ACTEW’s obligations are covered in the remaining dot points.

1.1

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http://www.actew.com.au/


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OEMP sub-plans

• The sub-plan section has been updated to reflect the revised OEMP sub-plans, as part of addressing Observation of Concern #001 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit;

• Reference to environmental management documentation under the ACTEW Policy and Process Documents integrated management systems was included, as this is used instead of isolated sub-plans for some management aspects to avoid duplication, including the new incident response procedure required to address Corrective Action Requirement #001 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit.

1.3

Project Description

The Project Description was updated to include the carbon dioxide dosing system for pH adjustment at the outlet structure.

Table 1.3

Management Structure

Reference to organisational structure was updated to reflect the current ACTEW Water structure, as part of addressing Observation of Concern #002 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit.

3, Appendix B

Environmental Reference Group (ERG)

The figure of the ERG framework was removed as it did not reflect the current ERG structure. The current ERG Terms of Reference at Appendix C includes all relevant current ERG information.

3.2

Compensatory Habitat Offset Package

The Section on habitat offsets was updated (including removal of the Appendix) to reflect status relevant to operation.

4.2

Performance Objectives

Table 5.1: the first two objectives in version 1 of the OEMP were merged and the targets reworded to address the Independent Environmental Representative’s concerns that the targets for these objectives were impractical and unachievable, and that more tangible, achievable and realistic targets should be set (Observation of Concern #003 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. Similarly, the targets for the remaining objectives were reworded to make them more tangible and achievable (for example,

5.1











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“zero/no” replaced with “take all reasonable measures to prevent”). Text in Section 5: a statement was added to reflect mechanisms for tracking and reporting performance of the objectives as part of addressing Observation of Concern #004 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit.

Compliance Tracking Program – Tracking Procedures

A statement was added to reflect mechanisms for tracking and reporting performance of the objectives as part of addressing Observation of Concern #004 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit.

6.2

Compliance Tracking Program – Routine Monitoring & Periodic Reporting

A schedule was added reflecting reporting commitments to NSW, ACT and Commonwealth regulators for routine monitoring results, compliance status, and performance and incidents, as requested by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #005 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit.

Table 6.1

Internal Audits Internal audit requirements were changed from “on a regular basis” to “as required”, and a list of circumstances prompting internal audit was included, consistent with NSW and ACT government EMP development guidelines. These changes address Observation of Concern #004 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit based on the former OEMP.

8.1

Communication and Consulting

Community Information Plan: text from this plan was removed from this chapter and a reference inserted to the updated Community Information Plan at Appendix E to prevent unnecessary duplication in documentation.

9

Record Keeping and Document Control

This section was updated to reflect ACTEW’s current systems.

10

Training The section on Environmental Management Training was deleted as these training aspects are sufficiently covered under the Toolbox Training, delivered to all operational personnel

11







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including contractors.

Review and Improvement of OEMP

Timeframes for OEMP review were added and record keeping of reviews to address Observation of Concern #002 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit.

12

Project Obligations

This section updated to list legal obligations and guidelines in alphabetical order and to include operational obligations of pipeline due to having a license under the NSW Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW).

Appendix A

Roles and Responsibilities

This section as updated to reflect ACTEW’s current structure and responsibilities of roles relating to the M2G OEMP, as requested by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #003 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit.

Appendix B

ERG Guidelines Updated version of guidelines (Terms of Reference) inserted.

Appendix C

Community Information Plan

Updated to reflect operational requirements and outline the noise complaint procedure as requested by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #001 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit.

Appendix E

ACTEW Environment Policy

ACTEW Environment Policy was added. Appendix F








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1. Introduction In October 2007 the ACT Government, in response to recommendations from ACTEW aimed at securing the Territory and region’s future water supply, announced a suite of new water infrastructure projects. The Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer (the ‘scheme’) is one of those projects.

The scheme involves pumping water from the Murrumbidgee River within the ACT and transferring it via a 12km pipeline to Burra Creek (in NSW), from where it flows approximately 13km to the Googong Reservoir. The scheme received approval under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and was declared a critical infrastructure project. The ACT Minister for Planning declared the project EIS adequate and the Development Application was approved by the ACT Planning and Land Authority. At the Federal level, the scheme was approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Construction of the Murrumbidgee to Googong pipeline was completed in September 2012. Depending on climate conditions, rainfall, and river flows, the M2G can be in one of three modes:

• Suspension: parts of the system may be decommissioned requiring lead time before start up. No water can be transferred.

• Standby: ready to run, all components in place and being operated routinely for maintenance purposes.

• Operating: operating in earnest, transferring to increase Googong reservoir storage levels.

During ‘Operating’ mode the system may be parked due to out of specification water, plan triggers or maintenance. ACTEW has developed this Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) as a regulatory framework under which the scheme operates following construction completion in September 2012. The OEMP facilitates the management of the environmental aspects of the water transfer’s operation and maintenance, and meets the conditions of planning approvals. The OEMP applies to the three M2G modes described above, with particular management of the different modes discussed in the relevant sub-plans (see 1.3).

ACTEW will ensure that controls are properly implemented and are regularly monitored and audited to assess their effectiveness. Frequent reviews will ensure improvements to controls and will be instigated where necessary. Controls are being integrated into ACTEW’s day-to-day business processes, including the ”Policy & Process” integrated management system, to facilitate compliance with the OEMP. The OEMP is consistent with:


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• ACTEW’s approach to ecologically sustainable development as outlined in its Environment Policy (Appendix F).

• ACTEW’s ”Policy & Process” integrated management system and Guardian systems for health, safety and environment management.

• Environmental Impacted Statement (ACT), incorporating Preferred Project Report (NSW), Dec 2009.

• NSW Department of Planning (now Department of Planning & Infrastructure – DP&I) scheme approval under Section 75J of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), issued 31 March 2010 (Application 08_0160).

• ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) Development Application, May 2010.

• ACT Planning and Land Authority Approval under the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT), issued August 2010 (Application 201017858).

• Public Environment Report prepared in response to declaration of the project as a Controlled Action, June 2010.

• Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts (now Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities – SEWPaC) approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Commonwealth), issued 29 October 2010 (EPBC 2009/5124).

• Pipelines Licence No. 37, issued under the NSW Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW).

• NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) (now Department of Planning & Infrastructure) Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (EMP), (2004).

• ACT Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Environmental Guidelines for Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (ACT), (2009).

• Other applicable standards and guidelines identified in OEMP sub plans.

1.1 Purpose of the OEMP The OEMP is designed to be a practical plan for the environmental management of the scheme’s operational phase. Through implementation of the plan ACTEW will ensure:

• Operational impacts are consistent with predictions.

• The operational requirements in approvals are met.

• All operational commitments made to communities, government and other stakeholders are met.


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1.2 The OEMP’s structure The OEMP consists of an overarching framework of requirements with sub-plans that relate to specific environmental aspects that cover all operational activities. The OEMP needs to be followed at all times, as do the sub plans in relation to their particular subject matter. Where relevant, individual sub plans refer to other sub-plans to ensure the operational plans are comprehensive. The overarching requirements of the OEMP are:

• Legislative and regulatory requirements – section 2;

• Management structure, roles and responsibilities – section 3;

• Environmental policy – section 4;

• Standards and Performance Measures – section 5;

• Compliance tracking and Reporting – section 6;

• Environmental Monitoring – section 7;

• Auditing – section 8;

• Communication and Consultation – section 9

• Record Keeping and Document Control – section 10;

• Training – section 11;

• OEMP review – section 12.

1.3 Environmental management and monitoring sub-plans To ensure the overarching performance targets are met for the scheme, ACTEW has developed a series of issue specific sub-plans for the management of particular aspects of the scheme’s operation. Each sub-plan focuses on implementation and includes:

• Objectives and targets;

• Legislative requirements;

• Operational controls, mitigating measures, preventative actions;

• Roles and responsibilities;

• Operator training;

• Monitoring schemes – inspections, checklists, measurement; and

• Standards and trigger points.

The approved sub plans are publicly available on ACTEW’s web site (ww.actew.com.au).


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1.3.1 Revised OEMP sub-plans

Mid 2013 a review and consolidation was undertaken of the original OEMP sub-plans, resulting in the revised sub-plans outlined in the table below:

Table 1.2: revised OEMP sub-plans.

Revised plan name: Regulator: Changes: Old plan name:

Operation Environmental Management Plan NSW Review Operation Environmental

Management Plan

Stream Flow & Water Quality Management Plan

NSW

Review Consolidation

Stream Flow & Water Quality Management Plan

NSW Flow Management Plan

C’wealth Extraction & Gauging Plan

C’wealth Sustainable Diversion Limit Plan

Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Plan

NSW

Review Consolidation

Ecological Monitoring Plan

C’wealth Burra Creek Environmental Management Plan

NSW Geomorphologic Monitoring Plan

Landscape Rehabilitation & Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan

C’Wealth ACT NSW Review

Consolidation

Landscape Rehabilitation Management Plan (construction plan)

ACT NSW

Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan (construction plan)

Community Information Plan (OEMP Appendix E) NSW Review Community Information Plan

(OEMP Appendix E)

Offset Delivery Plan C’wealth Review Offset Delivery Plan

Included in OEMP ACT NSW Review Compliance Tracking Plan


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Operational requirements included in OEMP and other relevant plans

NSW Review Noise & Vibration Management Plan (construction plan)

The sub plans are consistent with the environmental impact assessment and approval documentation. For some environmental management aspects, existing documentation under the ACTEW ”Policy & Process” integrated management system were utilised instead of isolated sub plans which would otherwise duplicate existing processes and procedures:

• Emergency management through the Water Supply & Sewerage Emergency Plan;

• Incident response and notification through Work Instructions ES 004: “Environmental Incident Response and Notification”; M2G 005: “M2G Environment Investigation and Notification Procedure”, and M2G 003: “M2G Incident Response Plan”;

• Landowner consent, interaction and easement guidelines through the Satisfy System;

• Operations & Maintenance Manuals through the WASP System; and

• Activity specific procedures and environmental work method statements under the “Policy & Process” system (e.g. vehicle washdown checksheets for preventing weed spread).

1.4 Project description and location The scheme involves construction and operation of pumping and pipeline infrastructure with the capacity to transfer up to 100ML/day of water a distance of approximately 12km from the Murrumbidgee River at Angle Crossing in the ACT, to the Googong Reservoir in NSW via run-of-river flow in Burra Creek. The location of the scheme is shown in Figure 1.1 and key features are described in Table 1.3.

The pipeline crosses rural residential land in an east/northeast direction, generally located in the vicinity of Angle Crossing, Williamsdale and Burra Roads, within the districts of Williamsdale and Burra. The majority (approximately 9km) of the pipeline is located in NSW, with approximately 3km located in the ACT. The scheme has an expected operational life of 80 years.


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Figure 1.1 Location of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer – Project diagram


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Table 1.3 Key features of the scheme

Infrastructure Description of work

Intake / low lift pump station

The intake / low lift pump station (LLPS) consists of a concrete box structure built into the riverbank including a screen, eductor grit collection and removal, filtration to prevent fish transfer, and pumps and valves.

High lift pump station The high lift pump station (HLPS) pumps water to a high point in the Gibraltar Range, from where it runs under gravity to the discharge point. The high lift pump station consists of a building enclosing a pump hall and electrical services and an amenities area.

Pipeline The pipeline transfers water from the low lift pump station to the high lift pump station, then onto the outlet structure. It is predominantly constructed of 1m (nominal) diameter mild steel and ductile iron cement lined pipe. The pipeline is approximately 12 km long, with the pipe located approximately 1.8 m to 4 m below ground level. Air valves and scour valves are located at regular intervals along the pipeline to provide pressure relief and to allow cleaning.

Outlet structure

The outlet structure is a weir box arrangement located on the bank of Burra Creek. It consists of a rectangular concrete box built into the creek bank with a weir located on the sidewall closest to the creek. Water flows into the weir box from the pipeline and discharges over the weir and run down the creek bank to the creek, which flows to Googong Reservoir. This method of discharge is designed to minimise scouring of the creek bed near the outlet.

Ancillary infrastructure

Ancillary infrastructure required to support the operation of the scheme includes communications cabling, pressure gauges, two fire hydrants, a carbon dioxide dosing system and power supply facilities. The carbon dioxide dosing system corrects the pH of water before it is discharged into Burra Creek. Due to the cement lining in the pipeline the pH of the water can increase, especially when water remains in the pipeline for an extended period. Electricity provided by the grid will be supplemented by electricity generated by a mini-hydro electric power facility, constructed as part of the scheme near the outlet structure, that has the capacity to recover approximately 20-30% of the electricity required for pumping activities. A dedicated electricity cable runs next to the pipeline to transmit electricity from the mini-hydro unit to the high lift pump station. The electrical infrastructure will consist of two main elements - a 132 kV/11 kV substation and a single 11 kV cable at the high lift pump station.


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1.5 Project Approval Condition - OEMP The OEMP specifically addresses condition 6.4 of the NSW Conditions of Approval:

The Proponent shall prepare and implement an Operation Environmental Management Plan in accordance with the Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DUAP, 2004) or its latest revision. The Plan shall include but not necessarily be limited to:

(a) identification of all statutory and other obligations that the Proponent is required to fulfil in relation to the operation of the development, including all consents, licences, approvals and consultations;

(b) a management organisational chart identifying the roles and responsibilities for all relevant employees involved in the operation of the project;

(c) overall environmental policies to be applied to the operation of the project;

(d) standards and performance measures to be applied to the project, and means by which environmental performance can be periodically monitored, reviewed and improved, (where appropriate) and what actions would be taken in the case that non-compliance with the requirements of this approval are identified. In particular the following environmental performance issues shall be addressed:

(i) bushfire hazard and risk management; and

(ii) management and maintenance of offsets including the presentation to the Director-General of the final offset compensatory habitat package post-construction impact review;

(iii) management measures for easement areas, including management of vegetation, soil erosion, weed control and landholder liaison.

(e) the environmental monitoring requirements outlined under this approval;

(f) complaints handling procedures as identified in conditions 4.4 to 4.5; and

(g) the Management Plans listed under condition 6.5 of this approval;

(h) specific consideration of relevant measures to address any requirements identified in the documents referred to under conditions 1.1b) and 1.1c) of this approval; and

(i) management policies to ensure that environmental performance goals are met and to comply with the conditions of this approval.

The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of Operation of the project or within such period as otherwise agreed by the Director-General. Operation shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General. Upon receipt of the Director-General’s approval, the Proponent shall make the Plan publicly available as soon as practicable.


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2. Statutory Framework

2.1 Relevant Legislation Key environmental legislation relating to environmental management for the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong scheme is listed in Appendix A. The Environmental Impact Statement contains a brief summary of each piece of legislation and how it applies to the scheme.

2.2 Guidelines and Standards The key reference material relevant to environmental management during the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong water transfer is also listed in Appendix A.

2.3 Approvals, Licences and Permits The various approvals, permits and licences relevant to the Scheme that are required for each jurisdiction are listed in Appendix A.

2.4 Project Obligations All statutory and other obligations that the Proponent is required to fulfil in relation to the operation of the project, including all consents, licences, approvals and consultations, are tabulated in Appendix A.

The table lists the relevant source of the obligation, a description and reference to where, within the OEMP and/or the relevant sub plans, the obligation is fulfilled.

2.5 Compliance Tracking ACTEW will maintain an up to date register of all legal requirements, standards, licences and permits relating to the scheme’s operations and maintenance. Further detail is provided in Section 6.


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3. Management Structures

3.1 Roles and Responsibilities The management organisational chart identifying the roles and responsibilities of all relevant ACTEW employees involved in the operation of the water transfer is shown at Appendix B.

3.2 Independent Environmental Representative The Murrumbidgee to Googong Independent Environmental Representative (ER) is independent of the operations personnel. The ER must be suitably qualified and must be nominated by ACTEW for approval by the Director General of NSW DP. Any recommendations or advice is directed through ACTEW.

The key responsibilities of the Murrumbidgee to Googong ER is to carry out the duties as specified in Section 6.1 of the NSW Department of Planning &Infrastructure’s planning approval i.e.;

• Oversee the implementation of the OEMP and monitoring plans and advise ACTEW on the achievement of the programs and plans;

• Advise ACTEW on compliance with the approval and the EIS commitments;

• Make recommendations to ACTEW on steps to avoid unintended or avoidable environmental impact;

• Make recommendations to ACTEW about activities that should be ceased if there is a significant risk that an adverse environmental impact will occur; and

• Review the OEMP and sub-plans prior to operation.

In addition, the ER will participate in the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Environment Reference Group, see section 3.3 below.

3.3 M2G Environment Reference group ACTEW has established an Environment Reference Group (ERG) to provide advice on the effective delivery of environmental management, monitoring and reporting programs for the construction rehabilitation and operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer. This includes the review of outcomes from monitoring programs, the compensatory habitat offset package, and landscape rehabilitation.

The ERG operates on a consensus basis and enables reporting, review and consultation between community, professional, government and ACTEW representatives. As one central group chaired by an independent chair, the ERG comprises technical, community,


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environment, agency and ACTEW representatives. Subcommittees are formed as required to address specific issues and provide further technical advice to the ERG. The ERG also responds to specific requests from ACTEW to examine and advise on particular issues related to the scheme (e.g. in response to related technical expertise, anecdotal and/or community monitoring information).

The ERG Terms of Reference are included at Appendix C.


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4. Environmental Policy and Planning Framework

4.1 ACTEW’s commitment to sustainability As a provider of essential services in the ACT and surrounding region, ACTEW has a long-term view of its operations. Providing these services and maintaining growth cannot be done while overburdening the environment. ACTEW has a commitment to ensure that its operations do not harm communities and that it safeguards the environment so that future generations can enjoy its benefits.

ACTEW is governed by the Territory-Owned Corporations Act 1990 (ACT) which establishes a main objective for ACTEW to operate in accordance with the objective of ecologically sustainable development, defined as the effective integration of environmental and economic considerations in decision-making processes. This is achieved through implementation of the following principles:

• The precautionary principle;

• The inter-generational equity principle;

• Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity; and

• Improved valuation and pricing of environmental resources.

Throughout the planning and development of Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer ACTEW has sought to maintain the balance between economic, social and environmental interests. The OEMP reflects this commitment further.

4.2 ACTEW’s Compensatory Habitat Offset Package As part of its overall commitment to sustainability ACTEW has established over 100 Ha of land in Williamsdale in the southern part of the ACT to offset the impact of the scheme on existing habitat areas.

4.2.1 Implementation of Offset Package

ACTEW has implemented the offset package within its property (Block 1675) in Williamsdale within the ACT. Table 4.1 shows the offsets package as it was implemented. Predicted and actual construction impacts and offset ratios for the different communities are described in detail in the Construction Impact Audit Report (Eco Logical Australia, January 2012. The package has several key benefits as outlined below:

• Two other offset packages have been implemented on the property: one for a TransGrid substation and the second for an ActewAGL transmission line;


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• The offset package is contiguous with the other offset packages and with the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Nature Reserve (ACT). This provides benefits that are in effect greater than the original offset proposal.

The implementation of the offset package is described in the Offsets Delivery Plan (see Table 1.1).

Table 4.1 Offset Package as Implemented

4.2.2 Offset Management and Monitoring In Perpetuity

The offset land is leased by ACTEW from the ACT Government; almost all land in the ACT is subject to leasehold arrangements (no freehold). The offset land is subject to a Land Management Agreement (LMA); an ACT statutory document outlining how the offset land is to be managed. The LMA for the Williamsdale offset is focussed on conservation outcomes. The requirements of the LMA, and the M2G Offset approval conditions, are both costed components of running the water business (ACTEW), and will continue to be in perpetuity.

While the appropriate management of the offset land and the financial resources to do so are guaranteed (adaptive management and biannual monitoring), it is ACTEW’s intent to formally transfer the land to ACT Government management. This would be done via a change to the Territory Plan, and would identify the area as a Nature Reserve (or similar). The ACT Government is aware of ACTEW’s intent to transfer the offset land, and discussions regarding the detail of the transition have commenced. The transfer of the land to ACT Government also has the support of the ACT Conservation Council. It is also preferred to include the contiguous lands (refer 4.2.1) in the land transfer, to allow for more comprehensive conservation outcomes.

ACTEW is committed to formally submit a variation to the Territory Plan to rezone the land as Nature Reserve within five years of operations commencing. ACTEW will report on progress against this commitment in the Annual Report and will also advise Department of Planning & Infrastructure (NSW) when the transfer has been completed.


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5. Standards and Performance Measures 5.1 Overarching Performance Objectives The scheme’s key environmental and operational performance objectives are to:

• Contribute to security of water supply for Canberra and the nearby region;

• Ensure compliance with all relevant ACT, NSW and Commonwealth environmental legislation and approvals; and

• Minimise/mitigate potential environmental impacts, and ensure that environmental quality is not compromised during operational and non-operational phases of the water transfer.

The scheme has adopted the following more specific objectives and associated key performance targets in relation to the environmental aspects of the scheme’s operations.

Table 5.1 Objectives and Targets

No. Objective Target

1 To employ practices which ensure that the operation and maintenance of the water transfer infrastructure:

• meet all environmental legislative requirements and compliance with all planning approvals.

• are conducted in a manner that minimises adverse environmental impacts.

Ensure the OEMP relevant sub plans and ACTEW Water policies, processes and systems capture all environmental legislative requirements and compliance with all planning approvals.

Maintain up-to date and regularly reviewed versions of the OEMP and relevant sub plans and carry out all operation and maintenance activities according to these documents.

Report all environmental incidents to the relevant authorities as outlined in the relevant approval documentation and legislation.

If environmental incidents do occur, review and modify the OEMP and relevant subplans as required in order to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

2

To employ practices which minimise impacts on aquatic ecology.

Establish a credible aquatic ecology and water quality baseline data set before operation commences.

Consistent compliance with e flow requirements in the Murrumbidgee River.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent fish


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impingement on intake screens at the Murrumbidgee River.

No translocation of alien fish species from the Murrumbidgee River to Burra Creek.

Establish credible site specific water quality trigger levels for Burra Creek in accordance with the principles of the ANZECC Guidelines.

Undertake additional ecological monitoring if the quality of water transferred is outside site specific ANZECC Guideline trigger levels.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent exceedance of site specific impact thresholds for species in the Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek.

3

To employ practices which minimise impacts on the geomorphology of Burra Creek.

Prior to operations commencing, establish monitoring programs for bank erosion.

Respond within reasonable timeframes with appropriate mitigation measures if bank erosion is detected.

Prior to operations commencing, establish monitoring programs for erosion of pond forming bars.

Respond within reasonable timeframes with appropriate mitigation measures if pond forming bars are eroded.

Prior to operations commencing, establish monitoring programs for London Bridge karst formation.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent incidences of erosion that could cause structural weakening at London Bridge.

4 To employ practices which minimise impacts on terrestrial ecology.

Prior to operations commencing, establish a compensatory habitat offset package that meets the requirements of authorities in each of the three involved jurisdictions.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent weed infestation after start up. If infestation occurs, they will be treated as agreed in the relevant


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Property Interaction Plan with the landholder.

Consistent compliance with the construction area rehabilitation plan requirements throughout the scheme’s operation.

5

To employ practices which minimise impacts on heritage.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent incidences of erosion that could cause structural weakening at London Bridge.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent complaints about impact at recognised aboriginal heritage sites due to operation or maintenance.

6 To employ practices which minimise noise and vibration impacts.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent noise and vibration complaints associated with operation and maintenance activities. If complaints are received they will be responded to following the ACTEW Water Complaints Handling Process outlined in Figure 5.1 of the M2G Community Information Plan.

Take all reasonable measures to prevent structural damage claims associated with vibration impacts as a result of operation and maintenance Activities.

Maintain noise levels in compliance with Schedule 2 Part 2.2 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2005 (ACT), or at levels endorsed by the ACT EPA.

Maintain noise levels in NSW below 35 dBLAeq(15 minute) in compliance with NSW Criteria limits as set out in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP) (DECC 2000), or at levels endorsed by the NSW EPA. If necessary, utilise Source Control (best management practice and best available technology economically achievable) in conjunction with Transmission Control prior to Receiver Controls (refer INP section 7) to ensure noise levels are not exceeded.

7

To employ practices which minimise impact on air quality

Take all reasonable measures to prevent visible dust emissions and offensive odours during operation and maintenance.


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8 To employ measures which minimise bushfire hazard and manage bushfire risk

Take all reasonable measures to prevent bushfires attributable to water transfer operations and maintenance.

Objectives and targets are reviewed annually (and biannually after the first 2 years of operation) to assess their continuing relevance (see section 12 below). Performance against the targets will be tracked and reported to ACTEW management, to ensure the OEMP is effective in managing the environmental performance of the project. Monitoring, measurement and management actions associated with the above objectives and targets form part of the Compliance Tracking program (refer section 6).

5.2 Potential Impacts, Controls and Risk Management In order to facilitate proactive environmental management, risk assessment has been utilised to identify and assess environmental aspects associated with the scheme’s operational and maintenance activities, and to identify appropriate mitigation strategies to minimise potential impact. This process involves:

• Identifying the risk for each environmental aspect;

• Analysing the uncontrolled risk (determining likelihood and consequence) for each aspect;

• Evaluating the uncontrolled risk for each aspect;

• Treating the risk with control actions; and

• Assessing the residual risk once controls are in place.

ACTEW is responsible for maintaining:

• An up to date register of operations and maintenance activities;

• The environmental aspects for each activity;

• The risk assessment for each aspect; and

• The controls to mitigate the risk.

The initial environmental aspect identification and risk assessment work is contained in the Preferred Project Report (PPR) for the scheme. The general risk assessment can be found in Chapter 8 of the PPR, potential mitigating actions are in each chapter dealing with an environmental aspect, and the potential residual risks are presented in chapter 27 of the PPR. The overall risk assessment is presented in Appendix D of this plan.


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6. Compliance Tracking Program - Operations

6.1 Purpose The compliance tracking program is designed to ensure:

• periodic checking of compliance with the requirements of the environmental approvals for the operation of the scheme;

• periodic reporting of the compliance status and environmental incidents to the relevant NSW, ACT and Commonwealth regulators; and

• that environmental incidents and non compliances have been recorded and operational processes modified to prevent recurrence.

Notes:

1. Procedures for ensuring all employees, contractors and sub contractors are aware of and comply with requirements are contained in the OEMP sections on training and monitoring.

2. Environmental incidents are defined as:

• non-compliances with flow rules defined in the Flow Management Plan, or

• exceedances of trigger levels identified in the water quality, aquatic ecology and geomorphology monitoring plans, or

• non-compliances with controls identified in sub-plans or the overarching performance objectives (Table 5.1), or

• complaints about operations or maintenance, or

• non-compliances identified during site surveillance or operations and maintenance activities, including non-compliances with noise, vibration, air quality, bushfire hazard or risk management requirements, or

• non-compliances with the Statement of Commitments in the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (7 August 2009) or Preferred Project Report/Environmental Impact Statement (21 December 2009).

6.2 Checking procedures Periodic Checking – Auditing of Compliance with the Requirements of the NSW and ACT Approvals

Compliance with the requirements of the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure Approval and the ACT Planning & land Authority Notice of Decision will be assessed by


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an independent auditor accredited to carry out audits in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 19011:2003 Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems auditing:

• Prior to start up;

• At 6 monthly intervals for the first 2 years of operation; and

• At 2 yearly intervals thereafter.

The findings of the audit will be presented by the auditor to ACTEW and the ER (if the audit is not being undertaken by the ER). The findings may then be presented to the Environment Reference Group before being reported to the NSW DP&II Director General, and to the ACT Planning & Land Authority (ACTPLA) and the ACT Environment Protection Authority (EPA) subject to timing constraints. The audit reports generated by the ER will be made available to the general public on the ACTEW website.

Tracking & reporting of OEMP objectives

Performance against the objectives and targets described in Table 5.1 will be tracked, reviewed and reported annually to ACTEW management, to ensure the OEMP is effective in managing the environmental performance of the project. If it is identified that ACTEW is failing to reach the above objectives and targets, management will act to ensure that additional resources or alterations to work methodology are implemented to ensure performance against the above objectives and targets meets the requirements.

Routine Monitoring

Routine environmental monitoring is described in detail in section 7 of the OEMP. Monitoring (as distinct from auditing) is a form of checking that can also result in the discovery of environmental incidents and can trigger the adaptive management process. Results of monitoring will be provided to: NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure Director General; NSW Office of Water, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage; and NSW Department of Primary Industries as outlined in Table 6.1 below.

Periodic reporting

ACTEW will report monitoring results, performance, environmental incidents and non-compliances as per the requirements of the NSW, ACT and Commonwealth approvals (see table 6.1).


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Table 6.1 Schedule of reporting commitments to NSW, ACT and Commonwealth regulators for routine monitoring results, compliance status, performance and incidents.

Category: Approval reference:

Reporting frequency:

Reporting method:

Report required by:

Geomorphologic Monitoring

NSW Project Approval 3.1.f

Annually as described in Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Plan.

Monitoring reports available on the ACTEW website: www.actew.com.au

NSW DP&I Director General

NSW Office of Water

Surface Water Monitoring

NSW Project Approval 3.2.j

Biannually as described in Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Plan.



NSW Office of Water

Ecological Monitoring

NSW Project Approval 3.3.g

Biannually as described in Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Plan.



NSW Office of Water

NSW Department of Primary Industries

Reporting of compliance status

NSW Project Approval 5.1.a

ACT Notice of Decision A4

Biannually for the first 2 years of operation, and at 2-yearly intervals thereafter.

Independent environmental audit report available on ACTEW website: www.actew.com.au


ACTPLA

ACT EPA

Environmental incidents with actual or potential significant off-site impacts on

NSW Project Approval 5.1.e, 7.1 and 7.2

As soon as practicable after occurrence of the incident.

Written details within 7 days of

Notification by phone as soon as practicable; written preliminary incident Report







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people or the biophysical environment

the incident date.

within 5 business days; written Final Incident Report within 4 weeks.

Meet requirements of the Director-General to address the cause or impact of any incident, within such period as the Director-General may require, where reasonably possible.

As required by the Director-General.

Annual Performance Report

Commonwealth Approval 6

Annually from commencement of operation.

Report on implementation of Commonwealth conditions of approval and approved Commonwealth plans.

Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Recording

Where audits find a non-compliance with approval requirements or when an environmental incident occurs ACTEW will keep a register of environmental incidents and non-compliances with the approvals.

6.3 Adaptive management procedures Where periodic checking, auditing or monitoring identifies non-compliances with standards the following procedures will apply:

• The non-compliance or incident will be investigated by an appropriate team;

• Agreed corrective actions will be identified by the team and reviewed by the Manager Environment & Sustainability, the Manager Regulation, Compliance & Quality and the ER;

• Actions will be implemented to rectify the issue;


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• The ER and ACTEW will check the effectiveness of the corrective actions; and

• Reference to and involvement of the Environment Reference Group (see Appendix C) will be made at the discretion of ACTEW.


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7. Environmental Monitoring Environmental monitoring will involve routine collection and interpretation of data to assess operational performance, environmental performance and compliance with requirements. The timing, frequency, methodology, location and responsibilities for the environmental monitoring programs are specified in each relevant sub-plan (refer section 1.3). Environmental monitoring that will be undertaken during operations and maintenance will therefore be in the areas of:

• Compensatory offset habitat (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 2.9);

• Flow management (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 6.5);

• Stream flow and water quality (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 3.2);

• Ecological monitoring (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 3.3), including ongoing rehabilitation including control of weed infestation for two years after start up through maintenance crews (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 2.10); and

• Geomorphology and London Bridge (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 3.1 and 2.29).

The results will be used to identify potential or actual problems arising from operations and maintenance processes. Where monitoring methods supply real-time results, they will be analysed immediately. This will allow a prompt response to be initiated should an exceedance of accepted levels/criteria be identified. Where there is a delay due to laboratory procedures ACTEW will respond to results as soon as they are available. Where monitoring results exceed expected levels/criteria the response will be as outlined in:

• Section 6.3 Adaptive management procedures (this plan), and

• The relevant adaptive management section of each monitoring subplan:

7.1 Site inspections and surveillance During operations and maintenance activities, noise, vibration and air quality monitoring were undertaken on commissioning to ensure there are no exceedances of emissions standards. Activities will be planned and undertaken to ensure the risk of bushfire hazards, and other risks that require management oversight (e.g. such as snake bite, flooding) are treated in accordance with the hierarchy of controls outlined in relevant risk management standards. Where surface investigations are required (in previously undisturbed areas) appropriate heritage management techniques will be employed.

Periodic checking (including inspection and surveillance) of operations and maintenance (including subcontractors) will be undertaken on a routine basis, in accordance with the timeframes outlined in section 6.2. Where inspections show non conformances with requirements, an investigation is undertaken to determine the cause and to ensure


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recurrence is prevented. Further response will be as outlined in the Compliance Tracking Program, refer section 6.


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8. Auditing 8.1 Internal audits Internal audits will only be conducted by ACTEW as required, in addition to the independent audits outlined in 8.2, in relation to:

• a change in the scope of the scheme;

• a change in the license;

• a significant environmental incident;

• a non-compliance event;

• a requirement to improve performance in an area of environmental impact; or

• decommissioning of the scheme.

Elements that may be audited include but are not limited to:

• Compliance with the OEMP and associated sub-plans;

• Compliance with ACT,NSW and Commonwealth approvals, permits and licence obligations;

• Complaint responses;

• Contractor activities;

• Training records;

• Non-conformances, corrective actions closure;

• Environmental monitoring results; and

• Record keeping and document control.

Where audits show non-compliance with requirements, the response will be as outlined in the Compliance Tracking Program.

8.2 Independent audits Compliance with the requirements of the NSW DP&I Planning Approval will be assessed by an independent auditor, the Independent Environmental Representative, as described under this plan, Section 6.2, Checking Procedures. The scope of the independent audits may include any development approval conditions and OEMP and sub plans.


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9. Communication and Consultation 9.1 Community Information Plan A Community Information Plan has been prepared to support the operational phase of the scheme. The Community Information Plan, which guides the approach to community engagement and stakeholder management during operations, is included at Appendix E.


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10. Record Keeping and Document Control

ACTEW will maintain the records which relate to the environmental performance of the water transfer.

ACTEW will coordinate the preparation, review and distribution of environmental documents related to the scheme as required. A document control procedure will be implemented as appropriate to control the flow of documents and data within and between ACTEW, consultants, stakeholders and sub-contractors. Existing shared drives, SharePoint, WASP, Water Data Warehouse, Drawing Management System and the ”Policy & Process” integrated management system are utilised internally for document control.

Documents and data that are to be issued will be controlled to ensure that they are approved prior to issuing and that the current issue or revision is known to relevant personnel. Controlled documents will be distributed on a revision basis only, with obsolete documents clearly marked as ‘superseded’. Obsolete documents will be maintained and filed.

Controlled documents will be uniquely identified with a defined revision number recorded on each page. All controlled document revision numbers will be included into a register for reference. During the scheme’s lifetime of operation environmental documents will be stored at ACTEW’s Head Office or in appropriate archiving facilities.


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11. Training Training will be carried out in order to ensure the environmentally sound operation and maintenance of the water transfer scheme.

Two main forms of training will be implemented:

• Induction; and

• ‘Toolbox’ training.

Records of all site inductions and on-site training will be kept on a database, including details of the training topic(s) presented, participants and training dates. All participants will be required to ‘sign-off’ that they have been informed and understand their environmental obligations at the conclusion of each training session.

11.1 Induction Prior to commencing work, all personnel, consultants and subcontractors will undertake an induction detailing significant environmental requirements associated with the scheme. An annual environmental refresher training is undertaken for all relevant personnel.

This will include, but not be limited to, the following environmental components.

• ACTEW’s approach to environmental matters;

• The OEMP and sub-plans (purpose, objectives, etc);

• Legal requirements including due diligence, duty of care and potential consequences of infringements;

• Significant environmental issues relating to operation and maintenance;

• Environmental roles and responsibilities;

• Conditions of licences, permits and approvals;

• Controls in place to ensure environmentally sound operations and maintenance;

• Incident management and emergency plans;

• Reporting process for environmental harm/incidents;

• Incident investigation and corrective actions;

• Processes for improving the plan; and

• Emergency response and crisis communication.


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11.2 Toolbox training Toolbox training will help to ensure that current information is communicated in a timely manner and that feedback can be provided on issues of interest or concern. Toolbox training will reflect risks and concerns associated with operations and maintenance.

The toolbox training sessions will provide details on the management and mitigation of identified environmental impacts. Toolbox training will be undertaken as required during periods when extended operations and maintenance activities are underway (e.g. pump overhauls, major maintenance work). The focus of the training is on workers that will be involved in day to day activities on site.

Environmental toolbox training topics may include but are not limited to:

• Waterway protection;

• Waste management;

• Noise and vibration minimisation;

• Plant, animal and habitat protection;

• Heritage protection

• Dust control;

• Weed Management;

• Environmental emergencies;

• Environmental incident reporting; and

• Other general environmental issues.


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12. Review and Improvement of OEMP Review of the OEMP and/or sub plans may need to be undertaken following:

• a change in the scope of the scheme;

• a significant environmental incident;

• a requirement to improve performance in an area of environmental impact;

• completion of an audit; or

• decommissioning of the scheme.

ACTEW will review the OEMP and its operation and implementation at least once per year during the first two years of operation, and then at two-yearly intervals thereafter.

The purpose of the reviews is to ensure that the OEMP is meeting ACTEW’s requirements, policies and objectives. ACTEW will amend the OEMP to facilitate continuous improvement. The review cycle is shown in Figure 12.1 below.

Figure 12.1 Monitoring, Auditing & Review cycle

Murrumbidgee to Googong Water

Transfer OEMP and Sub Plans

Monitoring, Auditing & Review

Analysis & Assessment by ACTEW

Recommendations to alter OEMP and its Sub Plans

Reporting to Environment Reference Group &

Environmental Representative

Reporting to Department of Planning and Infrastructure

and other agencies (NSW, ACT & Commonwealth) [if required]

Change Implemented if agreed


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The reviews will consider:

• Regulatory authority matters;

• Matters raised by the Environment Reference Group, or Environment Representative

• Resourcing and costs of environmental controls;

• Objectives and targets;

• Monitoring and audit findings;

• Environmental non-compliance, complaints and incident reports;

• Details of corrective and preventative actions taken;

• Organisational changes in ACTEW (i.e. changes in roles and responsibilities)

• The effect of changes in standards and legislation; and

• Any other matters as decided by the review panel.

ACTEW will maintain appropriate records of reviews consistent with Section 10.


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13. Appendices


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A. Project Obligations

Relevant legislation Key environmental legislation relating to environmental management of the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong scheme includes:

Commonwealth legislation • Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1998

(Cth)

• Canberra Water Supply (Googong Dam) Act 1974 (Cth)

• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

• Water Act 2007 (Cth)

ACT legislation

• Building Act 2004 (ACT)

• Environmental Protection Act 1997 (ACT)

• Fisheries Act 2000 (ACT)

• Heritage Act 2004 (ACT)

• Native Title Act 1994 (ACT)

• Nature Conservation Act 1980 (ACT)

• Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 (ACT)

• Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT)

• Utilities Act 2000 (ACT)

• Water and Sewerage Act 2008 (ACT)

• Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT)

NSW legislation

• Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)


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• Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW) and Fisheries Management Amendment Act 1997 (NSW)

• Googong Dam Catchment Area Act 1975 (NSW)

• Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)

• National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)

• Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW)

• Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NSW)

• NSW Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 (NSW)

• Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW) and Pipelines Regulation 2013 (NSW)

• Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW)

• Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW)

• Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 (NSW)

• Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW)

• Water Management Act 2000 (NSW)

The EIS contains a brief summary of the majority of pieces of legislation and how it applies to the scheme. A brief summary of the legislation and how it applies to ACTEW business is also included in the Environmental Management System Legal Register.

Guidelines and standards The key reference material relevant to environmental management during the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong water transfer includes:

ACT

• ACT Code of Forest Practice (Environment Protection Authority 2005);

• Air Environment Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 1999);

• General Environmental Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 2007);

• Guidelines for Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan, Environment Protection Authority (September 2004);


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• Noise Environmental Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 2008); and

• Water Quality Environmental Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 2008).

NSW • Assessing Vibration: A Technical Guideline (DECC 2006);

• Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000);

• Australian Standard 2885.3-2012 Pipelines - Gas and liquid petroleum-Operation and maintenance (Section 4.7 – Environmental Management);

• Florabank Native Seed Collection Code of Practice (Greening Australia 1999);

• Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DIPNR 2004);

• NSW Industrial Noise Policy (DECC 2000);

• Policy and Guidelines for Bridges, Roads, Causeways, Culverts and Similar Structures (NSW Fisheries 1999); and

• Victoria Revegetation Techniques (Greening Australia 2003).

Approvals, licences and permits The tables below identify the approvals, permits and licences relevant to the Scheme which are required for each jurisdiction.

Table A-1 Approvals, licence and permit requirements for the Commonwealth

Approval Required Relevant Legislation Authority

Controlled Action Matter of National Environmental Significance (Aquatic and Terrestrial fauna

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities (SEWPaC)


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and flora)

Table A-2 Approvals, licence and permit requirements for the ACT

Approval required Relevant Legislation Authority

Environment Impact Statement and Development Application

Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT)

ACT Planning & Land Authority

Land and Easement Acquisition

Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT)

Territory and Municipal Services (Parks and Conservation Service)

Water Extraction Licence Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT)

Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD)

Table A-3 Approvals, Licence and Permit Requirements for NSW


Part 3A ‘Critical Infrastructure’ Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)

NSW Minister for Planning

Pipeline Licence (#67) Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW) NSW Office of Water

Project Approval (Preferred Project Report)

Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)

NSW Minister for Planning

ACTEW will maintain an up to date register of all legal requirements, standards, licences and permits relating to the scheme’s operations and maintenance through periodic review of the OEMP as outlined in Section 12.

Project Obligations


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Table A-4 Part 3(a) Planning Approval Conditions (NSW)

No. NSW DP&I Operational Conditions of Approval Reference

1.1 The Proponent shall carry out the project generally in accordance with the: a) Major Project Application 08_0160; b) the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Environmental Assessment prepared by the Proponent and dated 7 August 2009; c) the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Environmental Impact Statement incorporating the Preferred Project Report prepared by the Proponent and dated 21 December 2009; and d) the conditions of this approval.

OEMP 1.1

1.5 The Proponent shall ensure that all licences, permits and approvals are obtained and maintained as required throughout the life of the project. No condition of this approval removes the obligation of the Proponent to obtain, renew or comply with such licences, permits or approvals. The Proponent shall ensure that a copy of this approval and all relevant environmental approvals are available on the site at all times during the project.

OEMP 2

2.1 The Proponent shall comply with section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 which prohibits the pollution of waters.

OEMP 1.1, Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan

2.3* The Proponent shall design, construct, operate and maintain the project to avoid impacts on bank stability within the Burra Creek riverine corridor and Googong Reservoir outlet and does not increase local flooding risk. *Please note: pending regulator approval, ACTEW is intending to change this commitment to: “The Proponent shall design, construct, operate and maintain the project to avoid impacts on bank stability within the Burra Creek riverine corridor.”

OEMP 1.3, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan.

2.4 The Proponent shall not transfer water when Burra Creek is in flood based on a one in two year event or greater nor should the Proponent operate the pipeline where it results in water levels in Burra Creek being greater than the one in two year flood level.


2.9 Areas specified in Table 1 that are expected to be cleared shall be offset utilising the compensatory habitat offset package described in documentation represented by Condition 1.1 c). The package located on the Williamsdale Property in the Australian Capital Territory shall be implemented prior to commissioning of the project. The package shall offset in perpetuity the value of habitat lost as a result of the project. A final review of the compensatory habitat offset package shall be provided to the

OEMP 1.3, OEMP 4


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Director-General in the Operation Environment Management Plan. This version shall: a) demonstrate the implementation of the offset; b) describe how the offset shall be guaranteed and monitored in perpetuity; and c) demonstrate a post construction review has been undertaken that confirms the extent of clearing was not greater than predicted. If clearing was greater, then the package shall demonstrate how the offset was modified and increased to the value of the actual habitat lost.

2.10 After construction is complete and for a period of two years after that time (or as otherwise required by the Director-General) the Proponent shall monitor areas along the project alignment, for weed infestation. Any infestations shall be actively managed to remove or minimise their spread.

OEMP 1.3, Landscape Rehabilitation & Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan

2.11 The Proponent shall implement the aquatic ecology management measures committed to in the documents set out in condition 1.1c) or elsewhere in these conditions of approval, including; a) monitoring and subsequent maintenance of flow transfer volumes to reasonably and feasibly mimic the natural flow regime based on the stochastic data refined in the Preferred Project Report of Burra Creek during the native fish breeding season in order to protect any spawning populations of threatened fish species; b) design measures to prevent the spread of invasive fish species; c) design measures for the protection of natural ponding habitat. If the current natural ponds along Burra Creek are lost as a result of increased flows, the Proponent is required to re-establish natural ponding habitat and d) regular review of aquatic ecology monitoring results for any trends toward significant impacts in Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir.

OEMP 1.3, Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan.

2.20 Operation Noise and Vibration The Proponent shall take all reasonable measures to minimise noise emissions and vibration from all plant and equipment operated on the site such that they do not exceed noise and vibration criteria derived by application of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (DECC, 2000) and Assessing Vibration: A Technical Guideline (DECC, 2006).

OEMP 7.1, 5.1 and 11


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2.29 Monitoring of London Bridge karst formations is to occur subject to commitments made in the Proponent’s Statement of Commitments contained in documents referred to in condition 1.1c).

OEMP 7 Aquatic Ecology Management Plan

2.34 The Proponent shall construct and operate the project in a manner that minimises dust emissions from the site, including wind-blown and traffic-generated dust. All activities on the site shall be undertaken with the objective of preventing visible emissions of dust from the site. Should such visible dust emissions occur at any time, the Proponent shall identify and implement all practicable dust mitigation measures, including cessation of relevant works, as appropriate, such that emissions of visible dust cease.

OEMP 7.1

2.35 The Proponent shall not cause or permit the emission of offensive odours from the site in accordance with the provisions of Section 129 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

OEMP 1.1 and 7.1

3.1 Prior to the commencement of construction the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Geo-Morphological Monitoring Program to monitor the impact of the project on the present morphology of Burra Creek at the pipeline outlet location and downstream to Googong Reservoir. The Program shall be developed in consultation with the DECCW and shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) Set out monitoring requirements in order to assess the impact of the project on the present geo-morphology of Burra Creek at the pipeline outlet location and downstream to Googong Reservoir. b) Baseline monitoring prior to the introduction of flows through Burra Creek in order to establish any geo-morphological changes resulting from the project. c) Provisions for monitoring during construction, operational and non-operational phases; d) Mechanisms for immediately investigating any anomalous monitoring results; e) Mechanisms for the management and mitigation of any impacts on the waterways including cessation of flows where necessary; and f) Details of how the monitoring results will be reported to the Director-General and the DECCW. The Program shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of construction, or within such period otherwise agreed by the Director-General, accompanied by written evidence that the DECCW has been consulted and that the DECCW is satisfied with the Program. Construction shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General.

OEMP 1.3, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan

3.2 Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Surface Water Monitoring Program to monitor and manage the impact of the project on the waterways into which any extracted Murrumbidgee River water is discharged. The Program shall be prepared in accordance with sections

OEMP 1.3, Stream Flow and Water


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8.2.3.3 and 8.2.3.4 of Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality – Volume 2: Aquatic Ecosystems (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000). The Program shall be developed in consultation with the DECCW and shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) the monitoring framework detailed in the documents referred to in condition 1.1; b) a baseline monitoring program; c) an evaluation of the discharges in terms of temporal and spatial scales; d) a comparison of discharge data with baseline data; e) sampling and data collection at representative sites, both impact (downstream of the discharge point) and control (upstream of the discharge point) sites; f) sampling and data collection for the discharges and immediate receiving environment to quantify the changes in ecosystem health and water quality with specific reference to phytoplankton, aquatic vegetation, macroinvertebrates, fish, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, iron and manganese; g) provisions for the review of the Program within six months of commencement of the first full operational flow into Burra Creek; h) identification of key water parameters including but not limited to flow rate, temperature, ph, salinity, total dissolved solids and nutrient parameters for the operation of the project; i) management actions for the parameters identified in h) should they be breached; and j) details of how the monitoring results will be reported to the Director-General and DECCW. The Program shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of construction, or within such period otherwise agreed by the Director-General, accompanied by evidence that the DECCW has been consulted regarding the Program. Construction shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General.

Quality Management Plan

Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and implement an Ecological Monitoring Program to monitor the impact of the project on the ecology that may be impacted by the proposal. The program shall be developed in consultation with the DECCW and Department of Industry and Investment NSW and shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) set out monitoring requirements as detailed in the documents referred to in condition 1.1 c), in order to assess the impact of the project on Ecology present along the easement and at Burra Creek at the pipeline outlet location and downstream including the Googong Reservoir; b) baseline monitoring prior to the introduction of flows through Burra Creek in order to establish any ecological changes resulting from the project. c) provisions for monitoring trench areas for any native fauna impacts likely to result from this work. Any native fauna found in the open trench shall be recorded and managed in consultation with DECCW; d) provisions for monitoring during construction, operational and non-operational phases; e) mechanisms for immediately investigating any anomalous monitoring results;



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4.1 Subject to confidentiality, the Proponent shall make all documents required under this approval available for public inspection on request.

OEMP 9

4.3 Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Community Information Plan which sets out the community communications and consultation processes to be undertaken during construction and operation of the project. The Plan shall include but not be limited to: a) procedures and timing to consult with the community and Palerang Council in

order to come to an agreement regarding revegetation of Burra Creek adjacent to Burra Village, raising of pedestrian access to London Bridge Homestead above the predicted high water mark and the construction of a bridal trail along areas where roadwork is required. b) procedures to inform the local community of planned investigations and Construction activities, including blasting works; c) procedures to inform the relevant community of Construction traffic routes and any potential disruptions to traffic flows and amenity impacts; d) procedures to consult with local landowners with regard to Construction traffic to ensure the safety of livestock and to limit disruption to livestock movements; e) procedures to inform the community where work has been approved to be undertaken outside the normal Construction hours, in particular noisy activities; f) procedures to inform and consult with affected landowners to rehabilitate impacted land; g) procedures to notify relevant landowners of the process available to review potential impacts on radio and television transmission; and h) procedures to notify relevant landowners of the process available to review potential impacts on aerial spraying.

OEMP 9 and Appendix E

4.4 Prior to the commencement of construction of the project, the Proponent shall ensure that the following are available for community complaints for the life of the project (including construction and operation): a) a 24 hour telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site may be registered; b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and c) an email address to which electronic complaints may be transmitted. The telephone number, the postal address and the e-mail address shall be advertised in a newspaper circulating in the locality on at least one occasion prior to the commencement of construction and at six-monthly intervals for two years following commencement of operation of the project. These details shall also be provided on the Proponent’s internet site. The telephone number, the postal address and the email address shall be displayed on a sign near the entrance to the site, in a position that is clearly visible to the public.

OEMP 9

5.1 Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall develop and implement a Compliance Tracking Program for the project, to track compliance with the requirements of this approval during the construction and operation of the project and shall include, but not necessarily limited to:

OEMP 2.5 and 6


Management Plan




a) provisions for periodic reporting of the compliance status to the Director-General including at least prior to the commencement of construction of the project, prior to the commencement of operation of the project and within two years of operational commencement; b) a program for independent environmental auditing in accordance with AS/NZ ISO 19011:2003 - Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems Auditing; c) procedures for rectifying any non-compliance identified during environmental auditing or review of compliance; d) mechanisms for recording environmental incidents and actions taken in response to those incidents; e) provisions for reporting environmental incidents to the Director-General during construction and operation; and f) provisions for ensuring all employees, contractors and sub-contractors are aware of, and comply with, the conditions of this approval relevant to their respective activities.

6.1 Prior to the commencement of any construction or operational activities or as otherwise agreed by the Director-General, the Proponent shall nominate for the approval of the Director-General a suitably qualified and experienced Environmental Representative(s) independent of the design, construction and operation personnel. The Proponent shall engage the Environmental Representative(s) during any construction activities, and throughout the life of the project, or as otherwise agreed by the Director-General. The Environmental Representative(s) shall: a) oversee the implementation of all environmental management plans and monitoring programs required under this approval, and advise the Proponent upon the achievement of these plans/programs; b) consider and advise the Proponent on its compliance obligations against all matters specified in the conditions of this approval and the Statement of Commitments as referred to under condition 1.1c) of this approval, permits and licences; and c) have the authority and independence to recommend to the Proponent reasonable steps to be taken to avoid or minimise unintended or adverse environmental impacts, and, failing the effectiveness of such steps, to recommend to the Proponent that relevant activities are to be ceased as soon as reasonably practicable if there is a significant risk that an adverse impact on the environment will be likely to occur.

OEMP 3.1

6.4 The Proponent shall prepare and implement an Operation Environmental Management Plan in accordance with the Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DUAP, 2004) or its latest revision. The Plan shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) identification of all statutory and other obligations that the Proponent is required to fulfill in relation to the operation of the development, including all consents, licences, approvals and consultations; b) a management organisational chart identifying the roles and responsibilities for all relevant employees involved in the operation of the project; c) overall environmental policies to be applied to the operation of the project;

OEMP 1.5


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d) standards and performance measures to be applied to the project, and means by which environmental performance can be periodically monitored, reviewed and improved, (where appropriate) and what actions would be taken in the case that non-compliance with the requirements of this approval are identified. In particular the following environmental performance issues shall be addressed: (i) bushfire hazard and risk management; and (ii) management and maintenance of offsets including the presentation to the Director-General of the final offset compensatory habitat package post-construction impact review; (iii) management measures for easement areas, including management of vegetation, soil erosion, weed control and landholder liaison. e) the environmental monitoring requirements outlined under this approval; f) complaints handling procedures as identified in conditions 4.4 to 4.5; and g) the Management Plans listed under condition 6.5 of this approval; h) specific consideration of relevant measures to address any requirements identified in the documents referred to under conditions 1.1b) and 1.1c) of this approval; and i) management policies to ensure that environmental performance goals are met and to comply with the conditions of this approval; The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of Operation of the project or within such period as otherwise agreed by the Director-General. Operation shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General. Upon receipt of the Director-General’s approval, the Proponent shall make the Plan publicly available as soon as practicable.

6.5 As part of the Operation Environmental Management Plan required under condition 6.4, the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Flow Management Plan that identifies the quantity, timing, duration and velocity of water transfer flows to Burra Creek. The Plan shall be developed in consultation with the DECCW.


7.1 The Proponent shall notify the Director-General and any relevant Government authority of any incident with actual or potential significant off-site impacts on people or the biophysical environment as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the incident. The Proponent shall provide written details of the incident to the Director-General within seven days of the date on which the incident occurred.

OEMP 6.2 and 1.3

7.2 The Proponent shall meet the requirements of the Director-General to address the cause or impact of any incident, as it relates to this approval, reported in accordance with condition 7.1 of this approval, within such period as the Director-General may require.

OEMP 6.2


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Table A-6 Murrumbidgee to Googong Commonwealth Conditions of Approval (operational)

No. Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Operational Conditions of Approval

Reference

1 The person taking the action must submit an Extraction and Gauging Plan that describes in detail how river flow and water extraction will be gauged, measured and reported in the Murrumbidgee River, to the Minister for approval. The plan must address the following requirements:

(a) How river flow will be measured at Lobbs Hole gauging station and other relevant locations;

(b) How baseflow in the Murrumbidgee River will be maintained to abide by the conditions of this approval;

(c) Reporting of water extraction data; and (d) Reporting of any breaches of this approval.

The project may not operate until an Extraction and Gauging Plan is approved by the Minister. The approved plan must be implemented.

OEMP 1.3

2 The person taking the action must submit a Sustainable Diversion Limit Plan (SDL Plan) to the Minister for approval to ensure the long-term protection and recovery of listed threatened species in the Murrumbidgee River, including the Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii), the Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica). The SDLP Plan must be developed in accordance with Terms of Reference submitted for the Department’s approval within four weeks of the date of this approval decision. The Terms of Reference must address the matters outlined at Attachment B to this decision. The project may not operate without an approved SDL Plan. The approved plan must be implemented.

OEMP 1.3 Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan

4 The person taking the action must submit a Burra Creek Environmental Management Plan to the Minister for approval that establishes a statistically valid ecological monitoring program to detect and manage any environmental harm to the ecological elements of Burra Creek or increase in the weeds problem along Burra Creek. The plan must include:

(a) Indicators, parameters and criteria to be used in measuring changes in the aquatic and riparian ecological elements of Burra Creek;

(b) Criteria to be used in measuring the diversity, distribution, abundance or density of weeds along the banks of Burra Creek;

(c) Protocols for on-going reporting of adverse changes to the ecological elements of Burra Creek or an increase in the diversity, distribution, abundance or density of weeds along the banks of Burra Creek;

(d) The proposed locations of monitoring sites; and (e) Management triggers and actions.

The project may not operate until a Burra Creek Environment Management Plan is

OEMP 1.3


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No. Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Operational Conditions of Approval

Reference

approved by the Minister. The approved plan must be implemented.

5 A decommissioning and closure plan must be prepared for the Minister’s approval at least one year prior to the anticipated date of decommissioning. Once approved by the Minister, the plan must be implemented.

Not required at present

6 Management plans and reports (howsoever described) referred to in these conditions of approval must be made publicly available on the ACTEW Corporation website. An Annual Performance Report must be provided to the Department and published on the ACTEW Corporation website that reports on the implementation of these conditions and any approved plans required under these conditions. The first Annual Performance Report must report on the time period from the commencement of construction of the project through to 12 months after the commencement of operation of the project. The first Annual Performance Report must be submitted within 13 months of the date of commencement of the operation of the project. Subsequent annual reports must be submitted every 12 months from this date, and must cover the 12 month period following the previous report.

OEMP 1.3, 6.2 and 9

7 The person taking the action must maintain accurate records of activities associated with or relevant to the above conditions of approval, and make them available on request by the Department. Such documents may be subject to audit by the Department and used to verify compliance with the conditions of approval.

OEMP 10

10 ... Within 30 days of commencement of operation, the person taking the action must advise the Department in writing the actual date of commencement of operation. ...

OEMP 3.1

Table A-7 Murrumbidgee to Googong DA Conditions (ACT), DA No 201017858,

No. ACT Planning and Land Authority Operational Condition of Approval Reference

A4 A Compliance Tracking Program be developed and implemented to track and audit the requirements and compliance of conditions of this approval. The Program must be submitted to ACTPLA prior to the commencement of construction of works on site or operations as appropriate. The program must relate to both the construction and operational stages of the project and must include, but not necessarily be limited to: (a) a timeline which details the relevant approvals required and approving entities; (b) provisions for periodic reporting of compliance status of the development against the requirements and conditions of approval (including any other Government licences and approvals) to ACTPLA and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA); and

OEMP 2.5 and 6


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No. ACT Planning and Land Authority Operational Condition of Approval Reference

(c) mechanisms for rectifying any non-compliance identified during auditing or review of compliance.

A5 Prior to the commencement of works on site, the proponent must ensure that the following are available for community enquiries and/or complaint for the life of the project (including construction and operation): (a) a telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site can be registered; (b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and (c) an email address to which electronic complaints can be transmitted.

OEMP 9

B6d a Noise and Vibration Management sub-plan that includes noise control measures and monitoring during construction and operation phase be endorsed by EPA;

OEMP 7

C11 Prior to completion of the development a Monitoring and Research Program for the aquatic ecosystem including fish, in both the Murrumbidgee and Burra/Googong be developed in consultation with and approved by the Research and Planning unit, PCL TAMS.

Murrumbidgee Ecological Monitoring Plan and Murray Cod Research Proposal

E9 Under the Water Resources Act 2007, the proponent is required to hold an appropriate Water Access Entitlement and Licence To Take Water prior to extraction of any water from Murrumbidgee River for delivery to Googong Reservoir. Contact Environment Protection Authority (Water Resources) for more information: via telephone 132281.

OEMP 3.1

E20 The licence to extract water will be in keeping with environmental flow guidelines. This commitment was made by the proponent during the preparation of the EIS. The condition must take into account the effects of extraction on, and by, downstream users. It should also consider any new information which may be forthcoming as a result of ecological investigations that may be used to maintain or enhance the ecological values of the Murrumbidgee River in an adaptive management forum.

OEMP 1.3 Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan


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Table A-8 Murrumbidgee to Googong Operational Commitments (Table 28.1, EIS)

No. Operational Commitment (EIS/Preferred Project Report) Reference

Environmental management, rehabilitation and monitoring

1 The operation environmental management plans, rehabilitation plan and monitoring/adaptive management plan, will be prepared and implemented as described in Chapter 27 of the EIS.

OEMP 1.3 and 6

Hydrology and geomorphology

2 Regular review of geomorphological monitoring results for any trends toward significant impacts in Murrumbidgee River, Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. The monitoring and adaptive management plan will include actions required to address any identified trends in a timely manner.


Water quality

5 A standard operating procedure will be developed for access to the pipeline during maintenance activities, chemical/fuel storage, and for pipe flushing that meets legislative requirements.

OEMP 1.3.4 Operations and Maintenance Manual

6 ACTEW’s Source Water Protection Program will continue to address water quality issues in the Murrumbidgee River.


7 Installation of a grit collection hopper at the low lift pump station and discharge of captured sediments back to the Murrumbidgee River to reduce the turbidity of water transferred to Burra Creek. Use of an automatic timer on the grit collection hopper to ensure that relatively small volumes of sediments are discharged on a continuous basis to reduce impacts on the Murrumbidgee River downstream. Ongoing monitoring and appropriate adjustments to the timers or release volumes to minimise potential impacts.

OEMP 1.3, Operations and Maintenance Manual

8* Operational rules will be developed to acceptable levels of turbidity in the Murrumbidgee. *amended commitment based on Consistency Review by NGH Environmental (October 13)

OEMP 1.3, Stream Flow and Water Quality Management


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Plan

10 Regular review of water quality monitoring results for any trends toward significant impacts in Murrumbidgee River, Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. The monitoring and adaptive management plan will include actions required to address any identified trends in a timely manner.

OEMP 1.3 and 6, Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan

Aquatic ecology

11* Maintenance of flow transfers where possible during the fish breeding season to protect any spawning populations of threatened fish species (if present). If flows need be altered, then the step up/down operating regime in the relevant OEMP subplan will be utilised to allow fish to exit the creek. *amended commitment based on Consistency Review by NGH Environmental (October 13)


13 Regular review of the results of the aquatic monitoring program and the development of management actions that may be required to address any observed impacts.

OEMP 1.3 and 6, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan

14* Design measures into the scheme, to prevent the spread of invasive fish species including: • 0.5 mm aperture mesh on intake screen to prevent transfer of fish and

eggs; • Provide continuous filtering and monitoring of transfer flows at the outlet

into Burra Creek; and • Use filters year round, rather than only during the spawning season. *amended commitment based on Consistency Review by NGH Environmental (October 13)

OEMP 1.3, Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan

16 Regular review of aquatic ecology monitoring results for any trends toward significant impacts in Murrumbidgee River, Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. The monitoring and adaptive management plan will include actions required to address any identified trends in a timely manner.


21 Offsets for the removal and/or modification of approximately 16.7 ha of native vegetation, including 11.1 ha of Box Gum Grassy Woodland (and secondary grassland) that ranges from poor to good condition, 1.7 ha of Natural Temperate Grassland and 0.3 ha of Snow Gum Grassy Woodland

OEMP 1.3, OEMP 4.2, Landscape Rehabilitation


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occurring within the construction footprint, will be provided. & Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan

Indigenous heritage

26 Impacts to the London Bridge karst formations and sites along Burra Creek will be undertaken as part of the on-going monitoring and adaptive management work that the proponent will undertake.

OEMP 1.3 and 6,

Non-Indigenous heritage

27 Impact to the cultural heritage values of the London Bridge karst formations (natural arch, caves and archaeological deposits) will be avoided

OEMP 1.3,

Land use

40 The pipeline route will be periodically inspected to ensure rehabilitation and stabilisation works have been effective in the longer term.

OEMP, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan

41 Consultation with land owners will occur in accordance with the operational environmental management plan for the scheme, especially with regards to maintenance access.

OEMP Community Information Plan (Appendix E)

Noise and vibration

50 Community consultation or notification (e.g. letter box drop) will be undertaken prior to pipeline maintenance involving air valve operation. Landowners should be provided with details of the time and date at which the maintenance event is to be conducted, so that domestic livestock and pets can be restrained or housed appropriately.

OEMP Community Information Plan (Appendix E)

Climate and air quality

51 A climate change risk management sub-plan will be developed based on the results of the first pass climate change risk and adaptation appraisal of the scheme. This will include monitoring program to manage climate change risks to the scheme into the future as data on climate change impacts becomes more robust.

Pending


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52 An Emergency and Incident Response Management Plan will be developed in consultation with the ACT and NSW Government Authorities to guide the appropriate response in the event of any reasonably foreseeable emergency situation.

M2G Incident Response Plan

Greenhouse gas

55 All greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of the scheme will be offset.

Ongoing

Social and economic

58 Consultation with affected and adjacent land holders with farm animals to determine mechanisms to minimise noise and disturbance to animals.

OEMP 9

60 The proponent will work with Palerang Shire Council and community members to identify and assist the progression of potential community benefits, including road realignment and safety improvements at Gibralter Saddle, maintenance of Burra Creek vehicle crossings, greenways and riparian revegetation of Burra Creek adjacent to Burra village and raising of pedestrian access to London Bridge Homestead above the predicted high water mark.

OEMP 9 and Community Information Plan (Appendix E)

Health and risk impacts

61 An integrated risk management plan will be developed for the scheme, to provide a systematic proactive approach to identifying, analysing, assessing, documenting, accepting or mitigating and managing risks. Ongoing risk identification, assessment and risk ranking will be done at the concept design phase, the detailed design stage, during the construction phase, at the commissioning phase and again at the completion of the warranty period. The plan will cross-reference the other plans being prepared for the scheme

OEMP 5 and Appendix D

Consultation

69 ACTEW community engagement and stakeholder management program will continue throughout the life of the scheme and provide opportunities for the community to continue to contribute to the implementation of the scheme.

OEMP 9


Management Plan




71 The proponent will work with Palerang Shire Council and community members to identify potential community benefits in recognition that benefits derived from the scheme (including secure water supply and a stable economy) are not directly related to the local impacted community.

OEMP 9 and Community Information Plan (Appendix E)

Independent Auditor

73 ACTEW will appoint an independent auditor prior to the commencement of construction works to audit and ensure all commitments set out in the EIS are fully completed to the satisfaction of ACTPLA and NSW DP&I.

OEMP 3.3 (Environmental Representative)

74 The Independent Auditor will also audit and ensure that conditions of approval under the Planning and Development Act 2007 are fully completed to the satisfaction of ACTPLA.

OEMP 3.3 (Environmental Representative)


Management Plan



B. M2G Roles and Responsibilities

Figure B1. M2G Roles and Responsibilities in ACTEW

Chief Executive Officer

Group Manager Water

Manager Water Operations

Manager Water Asset Planning

Group Manager Safety, Environment

and Quality

Manager Environment & Sustainability

Manager Quality and Compliance

Group Manager Customer,

Communications & Corporate Services

Manager Communications

Manager Customer Services


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Table B-1 M2G environmental management roles and responsibilities

Role: Responsibilities:

Chief Executive Officer

• Responsible for ACTEW’s water business; • Ensures ACTEW establishes and implements its requirements for

the environmentally sound operation and maintenance of the water transfer;

• Ensures overall compliance with the scheme’s legislative, regulatory and other commitments;

• Authorises and communicates amendments to the water transfer’s operation and maintenance, and authorises the required resourcing level;

• Ensures that resources are adequate for the implementation of the OEMP and its sub-plans; and

• Receives reports on the transfer’s operation and maintenance from Group Managers.

•

Group Manager Water

• Responsible for strategic asset management of the scheme as the asset owner;

• Represents ACTEW to regulators as the scheme asset owner; • Identifies, initiates and reviews the program for scheme operation,

inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement; • Undertakes periodic and ad-hoc reviews of operational loads and

performance, to ensure designed service levels are maintained; • Integrates environmental impact statement, approval

documentation and licence conditions into day to day operations of the scheme;

• Ensures scheme operator and maintainer adhere with the OEMP and sub-plans, environmental training, procedures and checklists;

• Ensures appropriate licences are held for taking water and operating the pipeline;

• Ensures pipeline equipment operation is monitored and initiates and directs incident investigation and corrective actions when operation departs from specified standards or environmental triggers, as based on specialist advice;

• Provides situation reports and incident reports as required under Section 7.1 of the NSW Approval; and

• Participates in system audits and annual environmental reviews as required.

Group Manager Safety, Environment and

• Provides expert technical, strategic and environmental advice and recommendations to Managing Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer;


Management Plan



Quality • Receives input from the M2G Environmental Reference Group; • Monitors legal requirements and raises alerts about changes when

they occur; • Oversees the rehabilitation, compensatory offset program and

carbon offsets; • Provides ACTEW’s oversight of the OEMP and sub-plans; • Receives advice from Manager Environment & Sustainability and

Manager Regulation, Compliance & Quality in relation to the operation and maintenance of the scheme;

• Provides strategic input in relation to management reviews of performance against the OEMP and its sub-plans, taking into account monitoring and audit program results;

• Liaises with government agencies and relevant stakeholders; • Reviews and submits incident reports, as required under Section

7.1 of the NSW Approval; and • Ensures accurate reports to the Director General under the

compliance tracking program are supplied as necessary (Section 6 OEMP).

Group Manager Customer, Communications & Corporate Services

• Provides oversight and approval of all ACTEW’s public communications, on behalf of the Managing Director.

Manager Water Operations

• Ensures scheme operator adheres with the OEMP and sub-plans, environmental training, procedures and checklists.

Manager Water Asset Planning

• Ensures scheme maintainer adheres with the OEMP and sub-plans, environmental training, procedures and checklists.

Manager Environment & Sustainability

• Oversees the scheme’s environmental management framework to ensure it is operating in an environmentally sound manner;

• Ensures that the OEMP and sub-plans are implemented and maintained;

• Oversees the control of environmental documents and records; • Provides ongoing implementation of the terrestrial landscape

rehabilitation an compensatory offset program • Organises and supervises resources including sub-consultants to

implement OEMP sub-plans including water quality, geomorphology and aquatic ecology monitoring plans as necessary to inform adaptive management of the scheme operation;

• Recommends alterations to operational rules as a result of input from monitoring programs;

• Reports on the outcome of monitoring and reports non-compliance;


Management Plan



• Generates incident reports as required under Section 7.1 of the NSW Approval;

• Prepares reports for the Director General under the compliance tracking program (section 6 OEMP);

• Undertakes management reviews of environmental performance taking into account monitoring and audit program results;

• Identifies, prepares and presents environmental induction and training materials;

• Provides strategic oversight to and manages the day to day requirements of the Environment Reference Group; and

• Undertakes monitoring and tracking of compliance with the scheme’s legislative, regulatory and other commitments.

Manager Quality and Compliance

• Plans and coordinates the annual Quality System (and Environment Management System) Management Review;

• Is aware of legal requirements and acts on any changes when they occur; and

• Works with the Independent Environmental Representative to organise audits of compliance with the approval requirements.

Manager Communications

• Undertakes the following activities to support the M2G during operation: media relations, government relations, corporate branding.

Manager Customer Services

• Undertakes the following activities to support the M2G during operation: customer support and notification, issues and complaints management.


Management Plan



C. Environment Reference Group Terms of Reference

1. Purpose The ERG has been established to provide advice and recommendations to ACTEW for the effective delivery of environmental management, monitoring and reporting for the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer (the Transfer). This document supersedes BWA-M2G-CE-ERG-002 ‘Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Discussion Paper – Establishment of the Environment Reference Group (ERG)’.

2. Structure The ERG structure provides a framework for reporting, review and consultation between community, professional, government and ACTEW representatives (example in Figure 1). This structure should include the ERG:

• As one central group;

• To be chaired by an independent and experienced chairperson, to be appointed by ACTEW following appropriate consultation;

• Having the capacity to develop a range of working groups, formed as required to address specific issues and provide advice to the ERG (working group names outlined in Figure 1 are for example only);

• To determine specific Terms of Reference (ToR) and adequate representation for working groups as they are formed;

• Incorporating further community and professional group feedback external to the ERG as required; and

• Administratively supported, as per its ToR and annual work program, by the ERG Secretariat.


Management Plan



Figure 1. ERG framework (note working group names are for example only)

3. Membership 3.1 Representation The ERG will consist of representatives of community and professional groups/agencies across the Commonwealth, NSW and ACT jurisdictions, selected for their expertise, interest in the Transfer over time and demonstrated commitment to the protection of the environment. The invitation to membership was extended to a variety of organisations/individuals to ensure adequate representation of the environmental, technical and community interests associated with the Transfer.

ERG

Nominated ERG Chair per Working Group

Rehabilitation Working Group

Burra Creek Working Group

Monitoring Working Group

Technical Advisory Working Group

Murrumbidgee River Working Group

Feedback from professional, catchment and community groups – e.g. regular consulting/monitoring reports

ACTEW Environment & Sustainability Manager


Management Plan



ERG membership will comprise a chairperson and up to 20 members engaged as representatives of their organisations. The ERG membership includes technical, community and agency representatives that may be comprised as follows:

• Chair (independent party, appointed by ACTEW);

• Secretariat (appointed by ACTEW);

• ACTEW Environment representative;

• ACTEW Operator representative;

• ACT Parks Conservation and Lands (PCL) Rangers representative;

• NSW Government representative/s such as:

o NSW Office of Water representative, or

o NSW Environment Protection Authority, or

o NSW Office of Environment & Heritage;

• ACT Environment Protection Authority representative;

• ACT Government;

• Nature Conservation Council of NSW;

• Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority;

• Palerang Council

• Independent Environmental Representative of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer;

• Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Coordinating Committee representative;

• Burra Landcare representative;

• Molonglo Catchment Group;

• Burra Community Association representative;

• Friends of Grasslands representative; and

• Smiths Road Community Organisation representative.

To ensure adequate representation to fulfill the functions of the ERG, the following membership considerations are taken into account.

• ERG members may also be members of ERG working groups as determined in the establishment of the ERG working groups.

• Some organisations nominated for ERG membership may be more practically engaged through ERG/working group activities according to the operational phase of the Transfer.

• Rather than by formal ERG membership, other individuals/groups with specialist knowledge or contributions that may be engaged by providing reports or guest representatives to the ERG or its working groups include:


Management Plan



o Monitoring consultants; and

o Technical experts - such as in water quality, hydrology, aquatic ecology, geomorphology, riparian and terrestrial management.

3.2 Term Following the initial 2 year term of the ERG (Sep 11-Sep 13), the ERG term will be extended for a period of 2 years to cover the time period from December 2013 until December 2015. At 12 months, and again at 24 months, the ERG’s function and performance will be reviewed. The outcomes of this review may institute changes to the ToRs, membership and other ERG matters to ensure the ERG is functioning at the appropriate level.

Appointments will be reviewed by ACTEW as required but at least every two years. ERG membership may be rotated, replaced or re-appointed during or after that time. The ERG membership will be reviewed to ensure its representation is in line with the requirements of the Transfer’s operational phases.

3.3 Appointment process Members will be representatives of local community and professional organisations, engaged due to their interest, knowledge and commitment to making a positive contribution to the environmental management of the Transfer’s operations and associated remediation/mitigation measures.

Existing members will be carried over to the new 2014-2015 term. For new members, the following appointment process will apply:

Membership will generally be by invitation from the ERG Chair or Secretariat, in consultation with the ACTEW Manager Environment & Sustainability, to groups/agencies identified as relevant to the Transfer. Organisations will be invited to put forward their nominated primary representative and a deputy representative to be engaged on the ERG. Regular participation in ERG activities will be expected from the organisation’s primary representative. The organisation’s deputy representative would participate in ERG activities when the primary representative is unable to do so.

Groups/agencies and ERG members can propose other nominations for membership for ACTEW’s consideration. Any other individual/group interested in participating in the ERG should contact the ERG Secretariat so further nominations or feedback may be facilitated for consideration.

The offer of appointment includes introductory information and the request for necessary details. Membership is accepted and confirmed subject to the acknowledgement and completion of information provided with the offer of appointment:

• ERG ToR and annual work plan;

• Remuneration information – guidelines on sitting fees;


Management Plan



• Established protocols – e.g. member guide for travel and any site entry arrangements;

• Secretariat and useful contacts;

• Appointment form (detailing the primary and deputy representative of the appointed member organisation);

• Organisation/personal details form;

• Member declaration (conflict of interest) form;

• Financial details form (to facilitate remuneration entitlements);

• CV template; and

Whether an ERG member is appointed (and therefore remunerated) as an individual or as an organisation will be determined by ACTEW. Typically, an organisation will be appointed as the ERG member to provide the organisation’s views to the ERG via the organisation’s nominated representative. This would mean the organisation would be offered remuneration for its participation in the ERG, and the organisation may or may not choose to accept this remuneration. At times, the appointment of an individual as an ERG member may be necessary as an exception given it is the individual’s expertise/contribution represented on the ERG (rather than any organisation/s they are affiliated with). In this case, the individual would be offered remuneration for their ERG participation.

3.4 Conflict of interest Prospective ERG members will be required to sign a conflict of interest declaration and disclose any matter that could adversely affect, or might be perceived to affect their ERG membership. If members represent a particular community, advocacy or government group other than their organisation engaged for the purpose of the ERG, this should be declared. The ERG Chair and ACTEW will consider such declarations before confirming membership. The ERG will maintain a register of declarations, gifts and hospitality which individual members are required to review and update annually or as their circumstances change. This register is accessible by ACTEW and all ERG members.

If issues raised in the presence of a particular ERG member present a potential conflict of interest, the member concerned should identify this conflict with the Chair and exclude themselves from discussion of that issue. If a member is in doubt about whether they are in a position of conflict of interest they should seek guidance from the Chair or ACTEW. The Chair or ACTEW may elect to exclude a member from a discussion or recommendations where there is a potential conflict of interest.

Where situations arise that breach the declarations signed by the member, the situation will be assessed in favour of the public interest. Once the member concerned has been given appropriate procedural fairness, and after consultation with the ERG Chair and other ERG members to determine whether the degree, nature and extent of a conflict of interest is material or real, ACTEW may terminate membership.


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3.5 Probity Documentation provided at ERG meetings should not be circulated outside membership of the group without ACTEW’s written consent. Consent may be sought through the Secretariat for consideration through ACTEW’s communication protocols. Deliberations of the ERG may be classified as in-confidence and this confidence should be respected when communicating with parties external to ERG member organisations.

3.6 Conflict resolution Grievances and disputes are to be resolved at the lowest appropriate level. Grievances and disputes are to be managed according to the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.

In the first instance, the matter is to be raised between the parties directly and if possible resolved in a timely manner at that level. If the matter cannot be resolved between the parties directly then the matter should be referred to the Chair to help reach a resolution.

The Chair may use whatever resources are available to assist with a resolution. If the matter is unable to be resolved through agreement, negotiation or mediation, then the Chair may determine the matter and advise the parties. Where the grievance or dispute involves the Chair, as a party to the dispute or grievance, the same process should be followed, but conducted by an independent third party engaged by ACTEW.

If the aggrieved party(s) is/are not satisfied with the determination they may request ACTEW to review the matter. The request to review must be in writing, setting out the reasons for review and made within 14 days of the advice of the determination. The review of the determination will be limited to matters of natural justice and procedural fairness. ACTEW may request the determination be reconsidered. ACTEW will advise the aggrieved party(s) in writing of the result of the review.

4. Terms of Reference The role of the ERG is to provide advice and recommendations for the effective delivery of environmental management, monitoring and reporting programs for the rehabilitation of impacts and successful operation of the Transfer.

As such, the ERG is engaged to:

• Assist and advise ACTEW and its consultants on the community and technical aspects and overall operation of its flow, water transfer, monitoring, rehabilitation and environmental management strategies;

• Review and advise on the implementation and outcomes of monitoring programs and environmental mitigation actions, including rehabilitation, compensatory habitat offsets, geomorphologic, water quality, ecological monitoring and additional monitoring programs due to exceeded water quality triggers or community involvement;


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• Assist ACTEW with the interpretation of monitoring results and environmental impacts to inform mitigation strategies and support a quality reporting regime;

• Be informed on the outcome of audits, management reviews, compliance tracking programs and incident investigations;

• Advise ACTEW on further options for environmental mitigation where programs indicate a need;

• Manage working groups to support the role of the ERG; and

• Respond to specific requests from ACTEW to examine a particular issue related to the Transfer (e.g. in response to related technical expertise, anecdotal and/or community monitoring information) and provide advice and/or further recommendations on this.

5. Outline of operations

5.1 ERG operations as per its ToR To provide advice in line with its ToR, the ERG will:

• Draft an annual work program as per its ToR, outline of operations and project phases for ACTEW endorsement;

• Provide advice on Transfer matters in accordance with the ToR;

• Be chaired by an independent and expert individual;

• Convene at least two General Meetings a year, with intermediate teleconferences or special meetings as required, to discuss progress, current and emerging issues, outcomes of working group activities, future action and its advice to ACTEW;

• Review the implementation of the Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP), particularly flow and monitoring plans and make recommendations for improvement;

• Participate in the development of Transfer specific initiatives to support environmental mitigation and rehabilitation measures if required;

• Visit sites of interest as required to monitor environmental impacts and mitigation measures;

• Have access to final environmental planning documentation, monitoring figures and related reports to obtain information on the operation of the Transfer;

• Respond to monitoring information and specific requests from ACTEW to examine and advise on a particular issue related to the Transfer;

• Individually or collectively seek and report on feedback from community and professional groups with an interest in the Transfer;


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• Exchange information across ERG and working group activities to ensure understanding and direction of ERG/working group objectives and progress (e.g. reporting through the ERG Chairs of working groups);

• Report on the outcomes of ERG and working group activities to ACTEW by providing minutes, reports and forward work plans as required;

• Treat ERG briefing material, deliberations, advice, reports and recommendations as in-confidence where classified and marked by the ERG/ACTEW (e.g. ERG and ACTEW consent is required for discussion of confidential ERG material outside ERG member organisations; ERG advice/recommendations to ACTEW is to be treated as in-confidence until ACTEW has had an opportunity to consider the advice/recommendation and/or the matter is agreed to be public knowledge);

• In consultation with ACTEW, establish and supervise the function, operation and membership of working groups as needed to support the role of the ERG;

• Have its ToR and activities (including of working groups) reviewed by ACTEW, in consultation with the ERG, as required according to operational requirements of the Transfer, with formal reviews conducted as described in 3.2;

• Review its role as a technical and operational reference group to ensure clarity of responsibilities and scope for recommendations ACTEW may or may not accept, depending on the full context of an issue;

• Review the role of member organisations/individuals and identify professional and relevant community groups that may have a role in the monitoring program or future working groups;

• Review the ERG framework and ToR for endorsement by ACTEW;

• Conduct its deliberations and activities in a transparent manner;

• Be supported by the ERG Secretariat.

5.2 Chair The independent ERG Chair will facilitate orderly and constructive discussion between members on matters within the ERG’s ToR and ensure that any action required is appropriately assigned. The Chair will also:

• lead the call for membership nominations;

• instigate the functions of the ERG through drafting of annual work programs;

• prepare the biennial report on ERG performance for review by the ERG and endorsement by ACTEW before public release; and

• liaise with the Secretariat to develop meeting agendas and ensure the progression of actions arising from meetings.

If the incumbent Chair resigns or becomes unavailable, an interim and/or replacement Chair will be determined by the ERG and the ACTEW Environment Representative.


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5.3 Secretariat The ERG Secretariat will provide administrative support to ERG activities, through the ERG Chair and in line with the ToR. This support includes:

• Providing briefings, information, logistics, reporting and assistance as required by ERG and working group meetings and site visits;

• Organising ERG and working group meeting venues, invitations, agenda, business papers, minutes and actions;

• Providing timely information to the ERG in relation the progress, operations and potential issues of the Transfer; and

• Managing public information on the role and activities of the ERG in tandem with the ACTEW Communications Team.

The key function of the Secretariat is to manage the relationships between ACTEW, ERG Chair and ERG members. This includes time and significant effort towards establishing familiarity, cooperation and support for the ERG role at the onset, as well as then fostering constructive interaction based on trust and mutual respect. The Secretariat will need to maintain effective communication and engagement between all parties to support the success of the ERG purpose and framework (e.g. providing the underlying coordination and relationship/stakeholder management for the framework example seen in Figure 1).

5.4 Meetings

• ERG General Meetings will be held at least every six months, at a venue in the Burra/Williamsdale area where possible.

• The ERG Chair may call additional meetings and teleconferences from time to time.

• An ERG meeting cannot proceed unless it has a quorum including one ACTEW representative, and representatives from at least two community groups in attendance.

• ERG General Meetings will include reports/minutes of working group activities.

• Agendas will be distributed to members via their nominated address at least 10 working days, and associated papers (including hard copies) at least five working days, in advance of each meeting.

• The ERG Secretariat will distribute draft minutes within seven working days of the meeting to the members for comment within seven working days.

• Minutes from the previous meeting will be finalised and tabled at the next meeting and provided to all member organisations for information.


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5.5 Protocol for participation in visits and working groups ERG and working group members can request a site visit or to participate in working group activities at any time if the reason for the visit is in line with ERG functions. The request must be submitted in the first instance to the ERG Chair, and approved by ACTEW.

ERG/working group members who cannot participate in a particular visit/activity should submit any agenda items or documentation they deem necessary to support the visit/activity to the ERG Secretariat in the first instance for the Chair’s distribution to members.

To effectively manage time and resources, members participating in a particular visit/activity should be directly related and able to contribute to the purpose of the visit (e.g. not all members may need to attend a visit if working representation is adequate).

5.6 Remuneration Sitting fees will be available to the Chair, ERG and working group members (excluding representatives or employees of ACTEW, ActewAGL or government agencies) set at a level to be determined by ACTEW and guided by remuneration structures of similar groups. Note that remuneration is only paid to the organisation being represented, and acceptance of sitting fees is at the discretion of the individual organisation’s representatives.

Payments can be made to either individuals or their organisations depending on the nature of engagement For instance, if the organisation is the ERG member and it is the organisation’s views represented on the ERG, then sitting fees would be offered to the organisation as long as the organisation is not ACTEW, ActewAGL or a government agency. If an individual is engaged as an ERG member, then the individual would be offered sitting fees to be paid to their nominated account.

For administrative ease, incidental costs incurred by an ERG member while participating in ERG activities (e.g. parking fee) will be taken into account in the determination of sitting fees.

Invoices must be submitted to the Secretariat within 2 months of the event being claimed or by the end of financial year, whichever is sooner, to comply with ACTEW financial requirements.


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D. Risk Assessment


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Table D-1 Summary of potential operational and maintenance environmental aspects, impacts, and mitigating actions

Potential impacts

Assessment of potential impact

Mitigation and management of potential impacts

Hydrology and geomorphology - Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek

Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek hydraulics and fluvial geomorphology

Changes to hydrology, including reduced flows in the Murrumbidgee River during abstraction periods and increased flows in Burra Creek. Additional flows in Burra Creek would potentially result in: • Increased sediment

transfer; • Changes to thermal

regime; • Alteration to extent of

macrophytes and macroinvertebrates;

• Erosion and modification of bed and banks;

• Increased utilisation of Burra Creek by fish in Googong Dam.

Maintain ACT regulated environmental flow in the Murrumbidgee River. Monitor as per the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan: • Water quality parameters (physico-chemical). • Aquatic ecology (macroinvertebrates and

periphyton). • Freshwater fish assessment. • River bank (riparian) and in-stream vegetation

(macrophytes). • River bed (geomorphological) and sediment

characteristics. • Structural integrity of London Bridge Analyse monitoring results in consultation with regulators to identify any trends towards significant impact. Trigger levels and thresholds for monitored parameters are identified in the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan. These are consistent with ANZECC guidelines for initiation of timely mitigation actions to prevent significant impacts from occurring (modify operational regimes and/or implement structural interventions).

Water quality

Burra Creek water quality

Transfer water quality impacts on Burra Creek ecology. Build-up of nutrients in the Googong Reservoir due to increased nutrient load causes excessive algae growths.

Googong water quality impacts are unlikely be seen in the short term. ACTEW routinely monitors drinking water quality at the source through to consumer. In the longer-term, if any trend towards decreasing drinking water quality is observed, ACTEW will consider the following strategies: • Selectively harvesting reservoir water from

different depths (a variable depth intake allows


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Potential impacts



selection of the best quality water from different layers in the reservoir).

• Aerate/mix reservoir water. • Upgrade water treatment process for improved

algae, taste and odour removal.

Aquatic ecology

Burra Creek biodiversity (aquatic ecosystems)

Reduced aquatic biodiversity in Murrumbidgee River or Burra Creek due to operational regimes.

Use of appropriate step up/down operating regime to mitigate effects arising from changes in flow regime and water quality and to allow fish to safely exit via downstream Burra Creek. The macrophyte beds and macroinvertebrate populations of Burra Creek are likely to reach a state of equilibrium following an initial period of readjustment. The monitoring and adaptive management measures described in the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan will be implemented to prevent occurrence of any significant residual impact.

Threatened species and communities – introducing threats to the viability of known threatened species or communities (including impacts from significant abstraction of water resulting in reduced river flows, transferring of fish eggs). Impacts on endangered fish species

Permanent impacts from structures will affect very small areas of Murrumbidgee River bank. Sedimentation/degraded aquatic habitat due to release of captured sediments at intake discharged back into the Murrumbidgee River downstream of Angle Crossing. Impacts of reduced flow in Murrumbidgee River will be insignificant in the context of natural variation and tolerances of existing aquatic ecosystems. The study area is known or likely to support a number of threatened fish

Release captured sediments regularly (use of automatic timers) in sufficiently low volumes to avoid significant impacts. Maintenance of environmental base flow in the Murrumbidgee River. Monitoring and adaptive management measures described in the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan will be implemented to prevent occurrence of any significant residual impact. The intake structure has been designed to prevent transfer of fish eggs through the pipeline. This will be monitored during operation of the scheme. The Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan include rules and trigger levels which initiate management actions when threshold levels are exceeded.


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Potential impacts



due to operational regime impacting on Murrumbidgee River (identified in the environmental assessment process).

species including Trout Cod, Macquarie Perch, Silver Perch, and the Murray Cod. These species were assessed under the ACT, NSW and Federal threatened species provisions including assessment of significance and application of significant impact criteria. The outcome of these assessments is that it is unlikely that the scheme would cause a significant impact on any populations of the Macquarie Perch, Silver Perch, Trout Cod or the Murray Cod.

Terrestrial ecology

Clearance of native vegetation during construction – the proposal will result in the clearance of more than 0.5 ha of moderate-high quality native vegetation.

Vegetation removal is required for the scheme. Reduced areas of Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC): Box Gum Grassy Woodland and Natural Temperate Grassland. Disturbance of rocky outcrops habitat of the vulnerable Pink-tailed Worm Lizard Aprasia parapulchella for construction of the scheme. Ongoing management of rehabilitation and compensatory habitat will be required post construction during the operational life time of the

Rehabilitation plans will be agreed with relevant ACT, NSW, and Commonwealth agencies to restore EEC and threatened species habitats wherever possible and will be managed by ACTEW after construction is complete. ACTEW is implementing a biodiversity offset area contiguous with that of other schemes to provide a large area of like for like biodiversity, ongoing management and protection in perpetuity. Ongoing management arrangements agreed with the relevant ACT, NSW, and Commonwealth agencies will be put in place to ensure the long term maintenance and improvement of its conservation values. Details are in the Biodiversity and Offset Management Plan.


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Potential impacts



water transfer.

Environmentally sensitive areas – disturbance of protected or sensitive areas (including both terrestrial and aquatic areas)

The Murrumbidgee River Corridor is defined as an environmentally sensitive area under the ACT Planning and Development Act 2007.

The design of the intake and low lift pump station minimises impact on environmental flows and the surrounding bank structure and is not expected to significantly impact the aquatic ecology of the Murrumbidgee River.

Land use

Siting of and operation of the infrastructure results in a reduced availability and/or unacceptable impact on land for recreation use

Restrictions on the use of land within the permanent pipeline easement and disruption to land owners due to maintenance access during operation.

Any restrictions on planting and structures within permanent pipeline easement are subject to payment of a once off compensation payment to the affected party. Except in emergency situations, it is ACTEW’s general policy to consult with landholders prior to accessing easements through private property.

Noise and vibration

Operation of the scheme resulting in noise impacts

There are three air valves along the pipeline route that have been identified as potentially generating elevated noise due to high exit velocities during operation of the scheme. Chapter 20 of the EIS provides a greater explanation of the limited operational circumstances when air valves are likely to operate.

Attenuation for these air valves is to be provided.

Climate, air quality and bushfire

Climate Change –

Potential impacts to scheme infrastructure

The design of the scheme has taken take potential climate change and bushfire risks into


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Potential impacts



climate change could impact on operation of the infrastructure and viability of the scheme threatening the reliability of supply. Dust and odour could be generated during operation, particularly during maintenance activities. The asset could be put at risk due to increased likelihood of bushfire incident during operation.

resulting from extreme weather events, bushfire or increased evaporation as a result of climate change. Modelling of scheme future operation has taken into consideration: • The last ten years

climate continually repeating (daily timestep analysis); and

• Stochastic data based around the CSIRO worst case scenarios of ACT 2030 climate (monthly timestep analysis).

Therefore, consideration of the possible worst case scenario for the lowest rainfall/highest evaporation and how this would impact on the actual transfer of flows has been undertaken. This is documented in chapter 9 of the EIS.

account. The Flow & Water Quality Management Plan outlines how the pipeline will be operated, taking climate change into account. Dust and odour during maintenance and operations will be managed in accordance with statutory requirements. Bushfire controls are included in the Land Management Agreement for the Compensatory Habitat Offset land. Regular monitoring and management of the pipeline corridor will be undertaken through the Landscape Rehabilitation and Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan. Low Lift Pump Station is protected from bushfire due to its location and materials of construction. High Lift Pump Station and mini hydro are installed with monitoring equipment to assist detect faults. Installation of hydrants along pipeline assists to mitigate impact of bushfire.

General

National environmental significance (NES) – Scheme creates unacceptable impacts on matters of NES that cannot be adequately

Matters of NES have been addressed in Chapter 26 of the EIS with an assessment of each matter undertaken separately. Although there is a potential to impact on some matters of NES (refer listed threatened species and listed

A range of mitigation measures have been developed to protect matters of NES. These have been addressed in chapters 12, 13, 15, 26, 27 and 28 of the EIS. A research and monitoring program for Murray Cod has been developed for the Murrumbidgee River, in consultation with the Commonwealth.


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Potential impacts



mitigated. ecological communities), this concluded that with the application of proposed mitigation measures, there is unlikely to be a significant impact on any matters of NES. Approval for the project has been granted by the Commonwealth.


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E. Community Information Plan

Register of significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)

Previous relevant document: Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management Plan – Construction and Operation, BWA-M2G-CE-PLN-002, Chapter 12 Table 1.1 significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)


General Reference to ActewAGL was deleted throughout the document and replaced with ACTEW, since the Water Division is no longer part of ActewAGL.

This plan

General Reference to organisational structure was updated to reflect the current ACTEW Water structure.

This plan

Environmental commitments and conditions of approval/licences

All commitments relating to the construction phase were removed because the Community Information Plan (CIP) is an operational phase sub plan under the Operation Environment Management Plan (OEMP). All construction commitments removed from this plan are still covered in the Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management Plan (CESMP) under the Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP).

Table 1.1 – 1.5

Introduction Introduction section was added to reflect operational context. 1

Aims and Objectives Aims & Objectives section was added to reflect operational context.

2

Social Impacts: Operation

Specifically included noise as requested by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #001 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit.

3

Communication methods

Communication methods section was added to reflect operational context.

4




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Environmental Reference Group (ERG)

ERG section was added to reflect operational context. 5.2

Property Interaction Plan (PIP)

PIP section was added to reflect operational context. 5.2

Complaints Management Procedures

Complaints management procedures were updated to reflect ACTEW Water procedure.

5.4

Natural disasters, Water supply contamination, terrorism or vandalism to assets, ministerial response procedure

These sections from abovementioned related document were not incorporated in this plan, since they are covered in ACTEW’s Water Supply and Sewerage Emergency Plan and are not directly relevant to M2G community information management.

N/A

Community Information Plan Schedule

This schedule has been updated to reflect the operational phase. All references relating to the construction phase have been removed. All construction commitments removed from this plan are still covered in the CESMP under the CEMP.

Appendix A


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Environmental Commitments and Conditions of Approval / Licences

Table 1.2 EIS Chapter 28 Commitments

Commitment No.

Commitment / Condition (Chapter 28 EIS) Reference within this plan

C69 Consultation ACTEW community engagement and stakeholder management program will continue throughout the life of the project and provide opportunities for the community to continue to contribute to the implementation of the project.

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C70 ACTEW will continue to work closely with directly affected landholders to discuss construction requirements and in particular develop individual agreements with landholders around the long term rehabilitation of land.

5.3

Table 1.3 EIS Commitments - Other

Internal Reference.

Commitment / Condition Reference within this plan

93 Consultation with landowners would occur in accordance with the operational environmental management plan for the project, especially with regards to maintenance access.

This plan

5.3

170 Operational noise and vibration

Where possible (i.e. prior to scheduled pipeline maintenance operations), it is recommended that community consultation or notification (e.g. letter box drop) be undertaken prior to pipeline maintenance involving air valve operation. Landowners should be provided with details of the time and date at which the maintenance event is to be conducted, so that domestic livestock and pets can be restrained or housed appropriately.

Appendix A

241 Consultation

ACTEW community engagement and stakeholder management program will continue throughout the life of the project and provide opportunities for the community to continue to contribute to the implementation of the project.

This plan


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Internal Reference.

Commitment / Condition Reference within this plan

242 ACTEW will continue to work closely with directly affected landholders to discuss construction requirements and in particular develop individual agreements with landholders around the long term rehabilitation of land.

5.3

347 Community involvement in Monitoring Programs Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek

Monitoring Stakeholder engagement with the monitoring programme will be undertaken to ensure relevant groups and individuals have the opportunity to become involved in both the monitoring of both the Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek and analysis of the incoming data derived from the monitoring programme.

5.2

Table 1.4 DA Conditions of Approval (ACT)

Condition No. Commitment / Condition Reference within this plan

A5 Prior to the commencement of works on site, the proponent must ensure that the following are available for community enquiries and/or complaint for the life of the project (including construction and operation): (a) a telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site can be registered; (b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and (c) an email address to which electronic complaints can be transmitted.

4

Table 1.5 DoP Conditions of Approval (NSW)


4 Community Information, Consultation and Involvement

4.1 Subject to confidentiality, the Proponent shall make all documents required under this approval available for public inspection on request.

4

4.2 Provision of Electronic Information

Prior to the commencement of construction of the project, the Proponent shall establish a dedicated website or maintain dedicated

4


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pages within its existing website for the provision of electronic information associated with the project subject to confidentiality. The Proponent shall publish and maintain up-to-date information on this website or dedicated pages including, but not necessarily limited to:

4.2 (a) The current implementation status of the project; 4

4.2 (b) A copy of this approval and any future modification to this approval; 4

4.2 (c) A copy of each relevant environmental approval, licence or permit required and obtained in relation to the project;

4

4.2 (e) A copy of each plan, report, or required monitoring program under this approval; and

4

4.2 (f) Details of the outcomes of compliance reviews and audits of the project.

4

4.3 Community Information Plan

Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Community Information Plan which sets out the community communications and consultation processes to be undertaken during construction and operation of the project. The Plan shall include but not be limited to:

This Plan

4.3 (f) Procedures to inform and consult with affected landowners to rehabilitate impacted land;

5.3

4.4 Complaints Procedure

Prior to the commencement of construction of the project, the Proponent shall ensure that the following are available for community complaints for the life of the project (including construction and operation):

Appendix A, 4

4.4 (a) a 24 hour telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site may be registered;

4

4.4 (b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and 4

4.4 (c) an email address to which electronic complaints may be transmitted. 4

4.4 (continued) The telephone number, the postal address and the e-mail address shall be advertised in a newspaper circulating in the locality on at least one occasion prior to the commencement of construction and at six-monthly

4


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intervals for two years following commencement of operation of the project. These details shall also be provided on the Proponent’s internet site. The telephone number, the postal address and the email address shall be displayed on a near the entrance to the site, in a position that is clearly visible to the public.

4.5 The Proponent shall record details of all complaints received through the means listed under condition 4.4 of this approval in an up-to-date Complaints Register. The Register shall record, but not necessarily be limited to:

5.4

4.5 (a) The date and time, where relevant, of the complaint; 5.4

4.5 (b) The means by which the complaint was made (telephone, mail or email); 5.4

4.5 (c) Any personal details of the complainant that were provided, or if no details were provided, a note to that effect;

5.4

4.5 (d) The nature of the complaint; 5.4

4.5 (e) Any action(s) taken by the Proponent in relation to the complaint, including timeframes for implementing the action; and

5.4

4.5 (f) If no action was taken by the Proponent in relation to the complaint, the reason(s) why no action was taken.

5.4

4.5 continued The Complaints Register shall be made available for inspection by the Director-General upon request.

5.4

4.6 The Proponent shall provide an initial response to any complaints made in relation to the project during construction or operation within 48 hours of the complaint being made. The response and any subsequent action taken shall be recorded in accordance with condition 4.5.

5.4

Table 1.6 Commonwealth Conditions of Approval (Environment, Biodiversity, EPBC Act)


6 Management Plans and Reports (however described) referred to in these conditions of approval must be made publicly available on the

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ACTEW Corporation website.


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1. Introduction This Community Information Plan (CIP) has been prepared to support the operational phase of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Transfer Scheme (M2G). This plan guides the approach to community engagement and stakeholder management during the M2G operational phase.

This plan identifies activities that will facilitate a flow of information between ACTEW and community and government stakeholders throughout the life of the scheme. The plan is recognised as an iterative process that continues to be shaped and adapted to reflect the needs of the community and other key stakeholders as the partnership grows and changes and new issues emerge.

2. Aims and Objectives The aims and objectives of the community engagement and stakeholder management strategy are to:

• Maintain community and stakeholder support to facilitate the achievement of the M2G’s objectives;

• Fulfil statutory requirements, including conditions of approval, relevant to stakeholders and the community;

• Protect the M2G from negative impacts;

• Ensure all stakeholders are identified and engaged with in an appropriate, timely and consistent manner, and that their needs and interests are recognised;

• Understand issues and concerns and resolve them in an appropriate manner;

• Manage risks and issues so that they are resolved at the lowest possible level; and

• Uphold the corporate reputation of ACTEW and its contractors.

3. Social Impacts: Operation Potential social impacts (including benefits) during the operational phase of the M2G are expected to include:

• Intrinsic value – providing improved water supply to Canberra and the ACT, as well as Queanbeyan;

• Property impacts – clearing and restrictions on use of the pipeline easement may affect visual amenity, planting along the easement and have potential for the introduction of weed species. ACTEW easement access requirements for maintenance


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or operational purposes may represent an inconvenience for landholders. Removal of pipeline scouring water by trucks has the potential to increase local traffic and may have on-site erosion effects. With appropriate management, these are considered to have a low impact on the community and stakeholders;

• Water supply – in addition to the anticipated benefit to water customers in the ACT and Queanbeyan (including projected population increases and new land release areas in Queanbeyan), the inclusion of hydrant outlets along the pipeline for use by local Rural Fires Services (who are not on reticulated water) will provide a local benefit. Additionally, the location of the outlet structure in Burra Creek effectively increases the water supply to the creek in the Burra area which will maintain riparian revegetation and habitat improvements as well as a potential increase in the creeks aesthetic and recreational amenity;

• Access to Googong Foreshores – increased reservoir levels will increase access for fishing, especially for the disabled. Tourism numbers have also frequently aligned with reservoir levels, so increased reservoir levels are expected to result in an overall increase in tourism to the Foreshores and Reservoir, resulting in a moderate positive social impact and potential positive economic impacts;

• Recreational impacts at Angle Crossing – the project is likely to increase aesthetic or recreational amenity in the long term through the restoration of Angle Crossing that was carried out in 2012 following construction;

• Social risks – there is potential for aggravation of inter-jurisdictional issues (the tensions between ACT beneficiaries versus those affected in NSW) and erosion of community cohesion (as a result of pipeline route negotiations). Changes in property ownership could also involve renegotiation of property access;

• Noise impacts – maintenance activities have the potential to generate minor increases in the background levels of noise, dust and traffic; however these would be temporary and short term. Additionally, operation of high and low lift pump stations at Angle Crossing, air and scour valves along the pipeline, and the discharge outlet into Burra Creek, could result in an increase in noise levels that are potentially offensive to landowners, adjacent residents and recreational users. Noise complaints received will be addressed through the complaints management procedure outlined in Section 5.4 where further noise mitigation measures will be investigated if noise levels are above that approved;

• Visual impacts – the main visual impact of the M2G are the changes in the landscape at the sites for the high lift pump station, the air and scour valves, the pipeline markers, the mini hydro and the outlet structure.


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4. General communication methods

4.1 ACTEW contact information for stakeholders The relevant telephone number, postal address and e-mail address for community stakeholders to contact ACTEW about the project’s operation will be advertised in a newspaper circulating in the locality at the commencement of operation and at six-monthly intervals for two years after that. These details will also be provided on the ACTEW website (http://www.actew.com.au).

Complaints from external stakeholders will be recorded and responded to. Regular reports on stakeholder contacts will be reviewed on a regular basis, but no less than every six months.

4.2 Media Media enquiries will be managed by ACTEW's Group Manager Customer, Communications & Corporate Services. No comment will be provided to the media on any issue without prior approval from this manager.

4.3 ACTEW web site The ACTEW web site provides information and links to environmental planning documents (such as the EIS/Preferred Project Report, Public Environment Report and Development Application), contact details, conditions of approval, approved management plans and other information such as licences and notifications. The website is reviewed regularly (but no less than every six months) to ensure it is up to date.

5. Specific communication and consultation methods

5.1 Community Information Plan Schedule - Operation A detailed Operation Schedule for the operational phase of the project is outlined at Appendix A. During the operational phase of the project, the core communication and complaints management responsibility will sit with ACTEW Water’s Customer, Communications & Corporate Services Branch. ACTEW Water is customer service focused, with well-developed systems and procedures based around the 24 hour call centre which manages both emergency and general customer queries across the water network in the ACT and Queanbeyan areas. Customer service within ACTEW Water is


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consistent with its requirements under the Utilities (Consumer Protection Code) Determination 2012.

This plan reflects these arrangements and will be supported by the following documents during the operational phase of this project:

• Business Activities – Customer Service and Complaints;

• ACTEW Corporations Complaint Handling Procedure CBS 201Utilities (Consumer Protection Code) Determination 2012;

• Australian Standard AS ISO 10002-2006: Customer Satisfaction – Guidelines for complaints handling in organisations;

• Landowner Consent Guidelines;

• ACTEW Water Service & Installation Rules;

• ACTEW Water Customer summary: Your rights and obligations; and

• ACTEW Water Standard Contract.

5.2 Environmental Reference Group (ERG) ACTEW established the ERG to provide advice on the appropriateness and adequacy of the environmental management, monitoring and reporting for the construction and operation of the M2G. The ERG structure provides a framework for reporting, review and consultation between community, scientific, government and ACTEW representatives. The initial term for the ERG was 2 years, with the first meeting taking place in September 2011. The future of the ERG beyond the initial 2-year term, which runs out in September 2013, is subject to ongoing support from both member organisations and ACTEW.

5.3 Property Interaction Plan (PIP) Individual operational Property Interaction Plans (PIP) are in place for all 17 landholders along the M2G easement. Version 2 of this plan was distributed in May 2013 and deals specifically with the operational phase of the project.

The Property Interaction Plan provides information on the processes to be followed by ACTEW Water for completing rehabilitation works on the landholder’s property, and on how ACTEW will liaise with the landholder during operation of the M2G. The plan aims to provide all necessary information on what it means to have a pipeline easement on the landholder’s property, including information on access arrangements for ACTEW Water to the pipeline, activities in the pipeline easement which require ACTEW Water approval and contact details for ACTEW Water.


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5.4 Complaints Management Procedures ACTEW has a comprehensive Complaints Management Procedure which describes how stakeholder complaints are responded to and resolved in a timely and responsive manner. In conjunction with the requirements of the Utilities Act (2000), Consumer Protection Code and Australian Standards, it provides the steps to be followed when a complaint is made, and the protocols or code of behaviour that should be followed when managing stakeholder complaints. Following this procedure will ensure all complaints are registered to meet the regulatory requirements.

Its purpose is;

To provide a timely and consistent standard of response to customers or persons who are dissatisfied with the services or products provided by ACTEW Water.

Its scope;

This procedure applies to authorised Customer Services personnel. This procedure is to be consistent with and supplemented by corporate business activity procedures.

The procedure is outlined in Figure 5.1 below.


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Complaint Officer receives

complaint

Enter into “Satisfy” IT System ( Check for

previous cases , for history and to avoid duplication

Acknowledge all complaints

Information gathering Main sources :

# Water works # WASP # Works Management System # Project Managers

Main sources : # Technical Enquiry Line # Faults and Emergencies Call Centre # Mail # Email to [email protected] . .

Yes & No

Solution ?

Consider compensation

Contact customer

Satisfied ?

Case Closed : - Record whether customer satisfied in “Case Finalised” field - Review “category” , “responsibility” and “compliance” fields

Immediate solution available

NO

YES Escalate

Further data required

Plan resolution

Investigation ?

Investigate

Contact customer

NO

YES

Request to relevant officer

Result

# Advise action # Make appointment if site visit required

Contact Customer

Work complete confirmation

Consider compensation

Provide Customer meaningful response

Meaningful response # Phone , email or letter # Agree program # Agree scope of work # Agree compensation

Work Request

Customer Satisfied

?

Case Closed : - Record whether customer satisfied in “Case Finalised” field - Review “category” , “responsibility” and “compliance” fields

NO

YES

Escalate

# Response letter , email or phone

Note 1 : The customer is contacted whenever there is a significant change to the proposed solution , program dates or any commitment to the customer .

Risk of harm ?

Initiate risk mitigation strategy to protect persons , property or asset . All cases where there is a safety risk to community or staff must be actioned on day of receipt .

Yes

Acknowledge in writing if unable to reach by phone x 2 ( If possible provide response in same contact )

Initiate Solution

Note 2 : Data entry and other corporate protocols described In Business Activities customer Service Complaints . .

e . g . # Site investigation # Billing history # Previous events

Pursue With relevant stakeholders

Review case

Fault or trend ?

Yes End No

Note 3 ; All financial payments to be approved in writing by Manager Customer Support & Investigations . Any payments in Gentrack to be entered as WDAW ( ACTEW Water Account Adjustment ) , or ULAW ( Undetected Leaks Policy Adjustment ). All payments in satisfy to be recorded as “Ex Gratia” in event of goodwill , “Compensation” if paying to rectify , “Rebate” if breach under CPC Note 4 : Any cases escalated to ACAT , Minister , Managing Director ( CEO ) to have “referred via” field , in “Details tab” updated accordingly

If complaint relates to M 2 G , response is required on date of receipt

mailto:[email protected]

http://intranet.actewwater/IMS/_layouts/WordViewer.aspx?id=/IMS/Procedures/Business%20Activities%20-%20Customer%20Service%20and%20Complaints.docx&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fintranet%2Eactewwater%2FIMS%2FProcedures%2FForms%2FAllItems%2Easpx&DefaultItemOpen=1&Defau


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Figure 5.1 ACTEW Water Complaints Handling Process

Appendix A - Community Information Plan: Operation Schedule

Tool Stakeholder Activity description

Purpose Timeline

Operational Communications

Phone line 6248 3111 (plus after hours facility) postal and email address

All external stakeholders

Principal 24 hour point of contact (during the operation period). The community information line provides a free and accessible source of information and a central point for enquiries and complaints. Provide ongoing customer service in line with standards described in the Utilities (Consumer Protection Code) Determination 2012.

Engage (answer questions, provide feedback, respond to complaints)

Project duration

Email address registration


Interested stakeholders can register their email address to receive information materials and notifications electronically. Such a

Inform and Engage

Project duration


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Purpose Timeline

registration system can be used to build a database of interested parties and ensure communications is targeted to those stakeholders and residents actively interested in the project.

Meetings with individuals

ACT leaseholders

NSW landholders

Queanbeyan City Council

Palerang Council

ACT Government (Lands)

ACT TAMS (managers of recreational areas and nature reserves)

To provide advice and information to impacted local residents about specific operation impacts, including possible easements access and works on their land.

Inform and Consult. To understand issues

specific to residences and develop mitigation measures to alleviate impacts.

Project duration

Meetings with key stakeholders

ACT Government

NSW Government

Commonwealth Government

Queanbeyan City Council

Palerang Council

National Capital

Meetings to inform and consult with government agencies, councils, special interest groups and other stakeholders on an as required basis.

Inform and consult. Gain feedback on possible land issues, and gain support for the project. Minimise impacts on local environment and individual

Project duration


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Purpose Timeline

Authority

Residents Groups/Association

Environment Groups

landowners.

Media releases and relations

ACT Local Media (TV, Print & Radio)

Palerang Bulletin

Queanbeyan Age

The Intermittent

Other local newsletters

Media milestone briefings as required; Responding to media enquiries; Preparation of briefing materials as required.

Inform and Promote. Opportunity to promote the project’s key messages/objectives and provide accurate project information to the media. To be drafted by Water Security communications team, and released by ACTEW Customer, Communications & Corporate Services Unit.

At project milestone, as negotiated with ACTEW Customer, Communications & Corporate Services.

Approval agency briefings and liaison

NSW Government: Department of Planning & Infrastructure Office of Water

Environmental Protection Agency

Follow notification and liaison requirements for relevant agencies.

Inform and consult.

Project duration


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Purpose Timeline

ACT Government: Planning & Land Authority

Environment Protection Authority Commonwealth Government: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (SEWPAC)

Briefs and reports

ACTEW Board

Briefing senior management on stakeholder relations.

Customer feedback and evaluation from Manager Customer Services for internal stakeholders and management.

Reports to the ACTEW Board on stakeholder management as requested.

Inform and Engage

Project duration

Information sessions, Public meetings and Community

ACT Community Councils Local residents groups

Open forums/information sessions to be used as needed during

Inform, promote, and consult. Collate

As required during project duration


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Purpose Timeline

Councils Queanbeyan City and Palerang Council ACT Government NSW Government Media Representatives of the Scientific Community

the operation phase. The forums act as a basic information overview and are not effective for in-depth issue based discussion.

feedback on the project. Build relationships within the community, particularly within the community councils.

Community Update Newsletter


Concise, specific information and advice to a targeted stakeholder when they need to be informed, or aware of an issue, distributed via a letterbox drop.

To inform community of operational progress and issues, to a specifically targeted audience.

Six monthly – until September 2013

Web Updates All external stakeholders

Electronically provide project information and public information via the dedicated ACTEW Water Security Major Projects Website.

Contact information for project team (operations contacts and complaints.)

Email access and feedback page provided

Inform and Engage

Project duration


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Purpose Timeline

for enquiries.

All approvals and licensing documentation as per conditions of approval.

Fact sheet production and distribution


Targeted, specific and concise information on a particular topic.

Inform and consult. Minimise impacts on local environment and individual landowners.

As required – updated to reflect project milestones

Complaints management


Management of Satisfy Database (Manager Customer Services); Deliver appropriate and timely response to complaints by all stakeholders through the Complaints Management procedures.

Inform and consult

Project duration

Facilitation of Environmental Reference Group (ERG)

Local environmental groups, government representatives and peer reviewers

Engagement of local environmental groups to participate in a review and advisory role and as part of the Environmental

Consult, involve and collaborate

4 times a year from September 2011 to September 2013. Continuation of ERG subject to ongoing member organisation and ACTEW support.


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Purpose Timeline

Reference Group (ERG) as outlined in the Operational Environment Management Plan (OEMP)

Landholder meetings (rehabilitation)

Landowners Continue remediation discussions and implementation

Collaborate February 2012 - ongoing

Written notifications of maintenance operations

Landowners, community

Notification of air valve / scour valve maintenance operation to landowners and local community Undertaking to consult with landowners regarding operation of scour valves and agree to cart water away if no agreement is reached about discharge of water onto private property

Inform and consult

February 2012 - ongoing

Written notification of easement access

Landowners Notification of access to property outside of easement

Inform February 2012 - ongoing

Operational team contact card/magnet

Local residents A contact card or magnet to provide quick and easy access

Inform Took place in February 2013


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Purpose Timeline

to contacts for use in emergency or crisis situations or complaints.

Crisis communications and emergency response

All stakeholders Deliver appropriate and timely response and management of emergency and crisis situations related to either the operation of the pipeline or other relevant water supply emergencies requiring responses in accordance with the Crisis Communications Plan and Water Supply and Sewerage Emergency Plan.

Inform

Implementation of Property Interaction Plans

Impacted residents and landowners

Ensure Property Interaction Plans are up to date and relevant

Inform and consult

Project duration


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F. ACTEW Environment Policy


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