EIS information guideline ¾ Land
EIS information guideline ¾ Land
Introduction
The EIS should incorporate information needed to support applications for statutory approvals concerning land related matters relevant to the project. In preparing an EIS, also consider other guidance material provided by state departments and local governments, including the following:
· Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Environmental Impact Assessment Companion Guide https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/daff-environmental-impact-assessment-companion-guide
· Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Guideline Environmental Protection Act 1994 Application requirements or activities with impacts on land http://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/environment/licences-permits/applying-environmental-authority/technical-information-requirements
· Department of Natural Resource and Mines Preparing environmental impact statements http://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/our-department/corporate-publications/preparing-an-environmental-impact-statement
Topography/landscape
The description and illustration of the topography of the project site and the surrounding area should highlight any significant features shown on the maps. Such features would include any locations subsequently referred to in the EIS (such as noise sensitive locations) that are not included on other maps.
Maps should have contours at suitable increments (at least every metre in areas of low relief), shown with respect to Australian Height Datum (AHD) and drafted to the GDA 94 datum.
The existing character of the landscape that would be affected by the project should be described in general terms and this should include any changes that have already been made to the natural landscape since European settlement.
This section of the EIS should ‘set the scene’ for the description of particular scenic values in the section on visual amenity, the difference being that this section describes the general impression of the landscape that would be obtained while travelling through and around it, while the visual amenity section addresses particular panoramas and views (e.g. from constructed lookouts, designated scenic routes, etc.) that have amenity value.
Geology and geomorphology
The description of the geology of the project area should be supported by mapping and a series of cross-sections.
The description of the geomorphology of the project site and the surrounding area should make particular reference to any physical and chemical properties of surface and sub-surface materials and geological structures that could have an influence on, or be influenced by, the project’s activities.
The description of the geological properties of the project area should identify those properties that may influence ground stability (including seismic activity, if relevant), occupational health and safety, the nature of project activities (e.g. proposed method for removing overburden , rehabilitation programs, or the quality of runoff leaving any area disturbed by the project).
The description of known sites of palaeontologic significance should address the potential for significant fossil finds in locations where the age and type of geology is such that significant specimens may be uncovered during construction or operations. Describe any sites of geomorphological significance, such as lava tubes or karst.
Mineral resources, ore reserves, petroleum and energy resources, and GHG storage resources
The EIS should report on the mineral resources (measured, indicated or inferred) and ore reserves (proved or probable) in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code – available at http://www.jorc.org/index.asp) and the principles outlined in the Australian Guidelines For The Estimation And Classification Of Coal Resources (available at http://www.jorc.org/docs/Coal_Guidelines_2014_-_Final_Ratified_Document.pdf) and include the modifying factors and assumptions made in arriving at the estimates.
The description of the available resources should detail the location, tonnage and quality of the mineral resources and ore reserves within the project area. For coal projects, the description should be presented on a ‘seam by seam’ basis.
The description of available resources should include appropriately-scaled maps showing the general location of the project area, and in particular:
· the locations and areal extent of the mineral resources to be developed or mined
· the locations and boundaries of mining tenures (both granted or proposed) associated with the project area
· the locations of any proposed mine excavation(s)
· the locations of all project site boundaries
· the locations and boundaries of any other features that would result from the proposed mining, including waste/spoil dumps, water storage facilities and other infrastructure
· the locations of any proposed buffers surrounding the working areas
· any part of the resource not intended to be mined and any part of the targeted resource or any other resource that may be sterilised by the proposed mining operations or associated infrastructure.
Similarly, the EIS should report, on other resources related to the geology of the locality, including petroleum and energy resources (including geothermal), and any greenhouse gas (GHG) exploration permits or GHG leases. The description should include publicly available or searchable studies and surveys undertaken by entities other than the proponent.
Resource utilisation
The EIS should analyse the effectiveness of the mining or petroleum/gas proposal in achieving the optimum utilisation of the mineral resources within the project area and consider its impacts on other resources.
The EIS should demonstrate that the mining proposal would adopt the best approach to develop the mineral resources within the project area, minimise resource wastage and avoid any unnecessary sterilisation of these or any other of the state’s coal, mineral, petroleum (including gas and coal seam methane), geothermal, and GHG storage resources that may be impacted upon.
The EIS should describe project plans to manage low grade or currently uneconomic deposits or excavated material to ensure that this potential future resource is not sterilised. Also describe measures to ensure the minimal dilution of mineralised but currently sub-economic waste rock by non-mineralised waste rock. The description should provide details and maps of expected residual or remnant resources within the project area including any low grade stockpiles, tailings and currently uneconomic material.
Subsidence associated with underground mine proposals
The EIS should include a Subsidence Management Plan (SMP) for managing watercourse impacts due to subsidence. That SMP should respond to the criteria identified in the DNRM guideline titled, Guideline: Works that interfere with water in a watercourse – watercourse diversions, 2014, https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/212424/guideline-watercourse-diversions.pdf
The SMP should include the following:
· location of subsided areas and modelled subsidence effects on watercourses and drainage lines
· monitoring methods pre and post-subsidence that would detect any impacts on watercourses
· Post-subsidence management of impacted watercourses through remediation and rehabilitation
· agreed outcome for the proposed future landscape.
The objective of the SMP is to ensure that the impacts of subsidence are properly managed. Where surface subsidence intersects a watercourse, it is important for the situation to be managed effectively to ensure no long-term maintenance is required within the watercourse, and to ensure that naturally occurring processes are not impaired. Subsidence impacts on land use during mining and after mining has ceased should be fully described, particularly where these impacts are on productive agricultural land and important biodiversity values.
Description of soils
Soil types and profiles should be described, mapped and illustrated according to the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (National Committee on Soil and Terrain, 2009), Guidelines for Surveying Soil and Land Resources (McKenzie et al, 2nd Ed., 2008) and Australian Soil Classification (Isbell, 2002).
The physical and chemical properties of soils identified as likely to, or with the potential to, be subject to erosion or storm water runoff should be determined for representative samples down the soil profile. Similarly, soils proposed to be used for rehabilitation, and particularly where agriculture is the final land use, should be shown to be fit for use.
For pipeline routes, the analysis and classification should be undertaken at least to the depth of excavation.
The stability and suitability of the soils for the construction of project facilities should be demonstrated by providing appropriate geotechnical information.
For coastal land where acid sulfate soils (ASS) may be present, or inland soils where conditions may have been conducive to the formation of ASS, an investigation is desirable in accordance with the relevant, best-practice guidelines and methods, such as the Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland (DNR, 1998, or any later version), and the Acid Sulfate Soils Field Guide (Murray–Darling Basin Authority, 2010).
Land uses
Land uses in and around the project area should be described and illustrated in relation to current land tenures, show the location of existing dwellings, and make particular mention of any land with special attributes. Include any surrounding land or marine areas that could be affected by the project.
Show the location of any Native Title applications or determinations.
The zoning of land in and around the project area should be described and illustrated according to any existing local government plan.
Land use suitabilities, and their classes, of the potentially affected area should be described and mapped in accordance with the Guidelines for agricultural land evaluation in Queensland, Second Edition (draft) 2013.
The agricultural use of the land of the project site and the surrounding area, including any crop rotations should be described and illustrated.
Any impacts on the Regional Plan prepared under the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 should be fully addressed. Determination of whether the project would impact on a Priority Agricultural Land Use area or strategic cropping area should be undertaken. This would include ascertaining whether a Regional Interests Development Approval would be required for any aspect of the project.
The proposed land use options after mining ceases, including the suitability of the area to be used for primary production, industry, or nature conservation should be described and this should address the factors favouring or limiting the establishment of those options compared to land use and suitability prior to construction of the project. It should also assess the potential liabilities for long-term management.
The potential for environmental harm to be caused by the project on the adjacent areas currently used for agriculture, urban development, recreation, tourism, or other business should be assessed together with the implications of the project for future developments in the impact area, including if it will place constraints on surrounding land uses.
The EIS should describe mitigation measures for any potentially adverse impacts on stock route operations during the construction and operational phases of the resource project.
Incompatible land uses, whether existing or potential, adjacent to all aspects of the project, and including essential and proposed ancillary developments, should be identified and project activities/measures designed to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts.
Visual amenity
Particular panoramas and views (e.g. from constructed lookouts, designated scenic routes, etc.) that have, or could be expected to have, value to the community whether of local, regional, state, national or international significance should be assessed and the information provided in the form of maps, sections, elevations and photographs.
In determining the importance of visual amenity of the project site, consideration should be given to the sensitivity of viewers (i.e. their interest, numbers, vantage point/route).
As visual amenity is usually a consideration in planning schemes and in establishing the heritage value of sites, any relevant information available from those sources should be considered in describing the visual amenity values of the site.
The visual impact of the project on particular panoramas and outlooks during both day and night, and during all stages of the project, should be discussed in terms of the extent and significance of:
· the changed skyline
· views from places of residence, work, and recreation
· views from roads, bikeways and walkways
· views from the air and other known vantage points.
The visual impacts of the project structures and associated infrastructure should be illustrated using appropriate simulation. Use sketches, diagrams, computer imaging and photos to portray the near views and far views of the completed structures and their surroundings from visually sensitive locations. Also provide details of how impacts on visual amenity would be mitigated or avoided to a suitable degree.
Lighting
The potential impacts of lighting during all stages of the project should be assessed in regard to:
· the effects of night operations, maintenance or increased vehicular traffic on residents
· changed habitat conditions for nocturnal animals
· the potential to attract animals or modify their behaviours due to lights at night.
Propose measures to mitigate or avoid all significant impacts due to lighting.
Infrastructure
Describe and show on suitably-scaled maps the location and owners or custodians of all infrastructure and easements on the potentially affected land, including roads and road reserves, railways and rail reserves, stock routes, and power lines. Indicate the locations of any easements for buried gas or water pipelines, power lines, or telecommunication cables.
Useful references and guidelines - Land
Guidelines for Agricultural Land Evaluation in Queensland, Second Edition (draft), State of Queensland 2014 https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/guidelines-for-agricultural-land-evaluation
Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual: Soil Management Guidelines (Dear et al., DNRM, 2002) https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/acid-sulfate-soil-management-guidelines
National Guidance for the Management of Acid Sulfate Soils in Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (Environment Protection and Heritage Council and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, 2011).
Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland Ahern C. R., Ahern M. R., Powell, B. 1998 Queensland Government
Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Book third edition (National Committee on Soil and Terrain 2009) CSIRO
Guidelines for Surveying Soil and Land Resources second edition (McKenzie, N.J., Grundy, M.J., Webster, R., and Ringrose-Voase, A. J. 2008) CSIRO
Soil Chemical Methods – Australasia (Rayment and Lyons 2011) CSIRO
The Australian Soil Classification Revised Edition (Isbell 2002) CSIRO
Soil Physical Measurement and Interpretation for Land Evaluation (Coughlan et al. (Eds) 2002) CSIRO
State Planning Policy – state interest guideline – Water quality Department of Natural Resources and Mines 2013 Queensland Government http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/guideline/spp/spp-guideline-water-quality.pdf
Guideline: Works that interfere with water in a watercourse – watercourse diversions, Department of Natural Resources and Mines 2014, http://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/212424/guideline-watercourse-diversions.pdf
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