www.nghenvironmental.com.au
Sydney Region
18/21 mary st
surry hills nsw 2010 (t 02 8202 8333)
Canberra
-
NSW SE & ACT
8/27 yallourn st (po box 62)
fyshwick act 2609 (t 02 6280 5053)
Brisbane
suite 4, level 5, 87 wickham terrace
spring hill qld 4000 (t 07 3129 7633)
Newcastle
-
Hunter and North Coast
2/54 hudson st
hamilton nsw 2303 (t 02 4929 2301)
Wagga Wagga
-
Riverina and Western NSW
suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464)
wagga wagga nsw 2650 (t 02 6971 9696)
Bega
-
ACT and South East NSW
89-91 auckland st (po box 470)
bega nsw 2550 (t 02 6492 8333)
Biodiversity Management Plan
WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM
DECEMBER 2019
Picture height 2.75,
Width 3.25cm
Picture height 2.75,
Width 3.25cm
Picture height 4.5 width 6.5cm
Or use one picture that fits close to the total
dimensions of this table.
www.nghenvironmental.com.au
Sydney Region
18/21 mary st
surry hills nsw 2010 (t 02 8202 8333)
Canberra
-
NSW SE & ACT
8/27 yallourn st (po box 62)
fyshwick act 2609 (t 02 6280 5053)
Brisbane
suite 4, level 5, 87 wickham terrace
spring hill qld 4000 (t 07 3129 7633)
Newcastle
-
Hunter and North Coast
2/54 hudson st
hamilton nsw 2303 (t 02 4929 2301)
Wagga Wagga
-
Riverina and Western NSW
suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464)
wagga wagga nsw 2650 (t 02 6971 9696)
Bega
-
ACT and South East NSW
89-91 auckland st (po box 470)
bega nsw 2550 (t 02 6492 8333)
Document Verification
Project Title: WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM
Project Contractor:
Lightsource BP Pty Ltd
Project Number: 19-110
Project File Name:
Wellington SF BMP V
3.
.1
Revision Date Prepared by (name) Reviewed by (name) Approved by (name)
Final V1
12/04/2019
J
ess
Murphy
Brooke Marshall, Erwin Budde
Erwin
Budde
Final V2 30/07/2019 Jess Murphy
Brooke Marshall, Michial
Sutherland
Brooke Marshall
Final V3
2
4
/09/2019
D
ave
Maynard
Brooke Marshall
Brooke Marshall
Final V3.1
16/
10/2019
D
ave
Maynard
Brooke Marshall
Final V3.2 28/10/19
Brooke Marshall minor
changes
Brooke Marshall Brooke Marshall
Minor edits
06/12/19
Michel
le Patrick
Final 3.3 19/12/19 Michelle Patrick
Plan Control
The latest version of this BMP will be available on the electronic database for the Project for all Project
personnel. Distribution of the plan will be to those detailed in the distribution listing below. This
distribution will be by ‘hard copy’ or electronically via email.
Copy Number Issued To Date Name
1 Department of Planning and Environment 27/03/2019 Leesa Johnston
2
Department of Planning and Environment
12/04/2019
Leesa Johnston
3
Office of Environment and Heritage
11/06/2019
David Geering
4 Lightsource BP Project Manager
6 HSEQ Manager
7
Department of Planning
, Industry
and
Environment
19/12/19
NGH Environmental prints all documents on environmentally sustainable paper including paper made from bagasse (a by-
product of sugar production) or recycled paper.
NGH Environmental Pty Ltd (ACN: 124 444 622. ABN: 31 124 444 622).
Biodiversity Management Plan
1/216 carp st (po box 470) bega nsw 2550 australia t 61 2 6492 8333 f 61 2 6494 7773
www.nghenvironmental.com.au e [email protected]
unit 9/65 tennant st
(po box 1037)
fyshwick act 2609 australia
t 61 2 6280 5053 f 61 2 6280 9387
18/21 mary st
surry hills nsw 2010 australia
t 61 2 8202 8333 f 61 26494 7773
po box 8323
perth bc wa 6849 australia
t 61 8 9759 1985 f 61 2 6494 7773
102/63
-
65 johnston st
(po box 5464)
wagga wagga nsw 2650 australia
t 61 2 6971 9696 f 61 2 6971 9693
suite 6/234 naturaliste tce
(po box 1037)
dunsborough wa 6281 australia
t 61 8 9759 1985 f 61 2 6494 7773
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 i
CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................1
1.2
THE PROJECT ........................................................................................................................................2
1.3
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OVERVIEW .....................................................................2
1.4
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ....................................................................................................................3
1.5
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT ................................................................................................................3
1.6
CONSULTATION ....................................................................................................................................3
2
PLANNING ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.1
LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS ...................................5
2.2
OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS ...................................................................................................................5
2.3
CONDITIONS OF CONSENT ...................................................................................................................7
2.4
COMMITMENTS ...................................................................................................................................9
3
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................................... 12
3.1
SOILS .................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2
FLORA ................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.3
FAUNA ............................................................................................................................................... 15
3.4
WEEDS AND PESTS ............................................................................................................................ 15
4
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND IMPACTS .............................................................................. 16
5
WORK SCHEDULES .................................................................................................................. 17
5.1
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION ACTIVITIES .................................................................................. 17
6
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ZONES ............................................................................... 24
7
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES .......................................... 26
7.1
GROUND DISTURBANCE PROTOCOL ................................................................................................. 27
7.2
VEGETATION CLEARANCE PROCEDURE............................................................................................. 27
7.3
RE-USE OF RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................... 33
7.4
THREATENED SPECIES FINDS PROCEDURE ........................................................................................ 34
7.5
WEED AND PEST MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL ................................................................................... 37
7.6
VEHICLE HYGIENE PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................... 40
7.7
VEGETATION CONSTRAINT MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................... 41
8
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA, TRIGGERS AND RESPONSES ............................................................. 45
9
BIODIVERSITY MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES ................................................... 51
10
COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 57
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 ii
10.1
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................................... 57
10.2
TRAINING .......................................................................................................................................... 58
10.3
MONITORING AND INSPECTION ....................................................................................................... 58
10.4
ADAPTIVE IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................................... 62
10.5
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................. 62
10.6
AUDITING .......................................................................................................................................... 62
10.7
REPORTING ........................................................................................................................................ 62
11
REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT ................................................................................................. 63
11.1
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT .......................................................................................................... 63
11.2
BMP UPDATE AND AMENDMENT ..................................................................................................... 63
11.3
DOCUMENT CONTROL ...................................................................................................................... 63
APPENDIX A
GROUNDCOVER MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................................................... A-I
APPENDIX B
BASELINE PLOT DATA FROM BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT ............................. B-I
APPENDIX C
SAMPLE REGISTERS ................................................................................................. C-I
APPENDIX D
AGENCY INPUT ON BMP .......................................................................................... D-I
APPENDIX E
AGENCY APPROVAL OF BMP .................................................................................... E-I
TABLES
Table 1-1 Timeframe of environmental management measures. .................................................................. 1
Table 2-1 Location of information in this BMP addressing the requirements of Conditions of Consent. ...... 8
Table 2-2 Commitments of the Proponent and Project Contractors.............................................................. 9
Table 4-1 Potential biodiversity impacts as a result of the Project. ............................................................16
Table 5-1 Schedule of construction works. ..................................................................................................18
Table 5-2 Schedule of operation works. .......................................................................................................22
Table 7-1 Summary of protocol and procedure timing. ...............................................................................26
Table 8-1 Summary of performance criteria, triggers for actions and responses for environmental
management protocols. ................................................................................................................................45
Table 9-1 Biodiversity management and mitigation measures. ..................................................................51
Table 10-1 Construction team roles and responsibilities (from the EMS). ...................................................57
Table 10-2 Monitoring and inspection requirements during construction and operation. .........................58
Table 10-3 Monitoring and inspection requirements during operation. ......................................................61
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 iii
Table A-1 Relevant conditions and commitments. ...................................................................................... A-I
Table A-2 Timing of groundcover management activities. ......................................................................... A-II
Table B-3 Flora plot data ............................................................................................................................. B-I
Table C-1 Sample Threatened Species Register. ........................................................................................ C-III
Table C-2 Sample Vehicle hygiene register. ............................................................................................... C-VI
FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Site map showing biodiversity constraints. ................................................................................... 4
Figure 6-1 Environmental management zones for the project area ...........................................................25
Figure 7-1 Vegetation clearance procedure. ................................................................................................29
Figure 7-2 Example of exclusion zone signage..............................................................................................30
Figure 7-3 Example of exclusion zone fencing. .............................................................................................30
Figure 7-4 Three-cut method of removing branches. ...................................................................................31
Figure 7-5 Hollow bearing tree removal procedure. ....................................................................................32
Figure 7-6 Threatened species finds procedure. ..........................................................................................35
Figure 7-7 Vegetation constraints in exclusion zones...................................................................................42
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 iv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AS Australian Standard
BAR Basic Right Turn
BAR Biodiversity Assessment Report
BC Act Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW)
BCD
Biosecurity Act
Biodiversity & Conservation Division (NSW, formerly OEH)
Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW)
BMP Biodiversity Management Plan
CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan
CoCs Conditions of Consent
CWD Coarse woody debris
Construction The construction of the development, including but not limited to, the carrying out
of any earthworks on site and the construction of solar panels and any ancillary
infrastructure.
DPE (NSW) Department of Planning and Environment
DPIE (NSW) Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (formerly DPE)
Decommissioning The removal of solar panels and ancillary infrastructure and/or rehabilitation of the
site
EEC Endangered ecological community
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EMS Environmental Management Strategy
EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwth)
ERSED Erosion and sediment control
Exclusion zones Areas of limited access to protect site values (i.e. vegetation constraints).
FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW)
ha Hectares
HSEQ Manager Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Control Manager
kL Kilolitres
km Kilometres
kV Kilovolts
LGA Local Government Area
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 v
m Metres
m
2
Square metres
MW Megawatts
NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)
NSW New South Wales
NV Act Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW)
OEH Office of Environment and Heritage, now called Biodiversity & Conservation Division
PCT Plant Community Type
POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW)
Photovoltaic PV
Reasonable Reasonable relates to the application of judgement in arriving at a decision, taking
into account: mitigation benefits, cost of mitigation versus benefits provided,
community views and the nature and extent of potential improvements
Vegetation
constraints
Native vegetation adjacent to and outside of designated impact areas, including
Endangered/Critically Endangered Ecological Communities, and riparian vegetation
Sp./spp. Species/species (plural)
t Tonnes
TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW)
The Project Wellington Solar Farm
The Proponent Lightsource BP Pty Ltd
Vegetation Any native trees, shrubs or grassland.
WIRES NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
Planning approval was received on 25 May 2018 for the construction and operation of a 174 megawatt
(MW) photovoltaic (pv) solar farm with an energy storage facility, located 2 kilometres (km) north-east of
Wellington within the Dubbo Local Government Area (LGA).
On December 11 2019, a Modification Application (NGH 2019) was approved by the Department of
Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to expand the existing substation on Goolma Road and change
the transmission connection to it. This was required to facilitate connection of the project to the substation.
The Wellington Solar Farm (‘the Project’) is a State Significant Development and represents an important
contribution to renewable energy generation in New South Wales (NSW).
This Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) forms part of the Environmental Management Strategy (EMS)
for Wellington Solar Farm, and has been prepared to address the construction and operation requirements
of:
•
NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) Conditions of Consent (CoC) (25 May
2018).
•
All applicable legislation, during the construction and operation of the Project.
•
Mitigation and management measures and commitments in the Wellington Solar Farm
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS; 2017), Biodiversity Assessment Reports (BARs) 2017
and 2019, Submissions Report 2018 and Modification Application 2019.
The purpose of this BMP is to provide a framework for the management of biodiversity issues during the
construction and operation of the Project. Some management measures are only applicable during the
construction period, while others continue throughout operation, as summarised below (Table 1-1).
Table 1-1 Timeframe of environmental management measures.
Construction Operation
Ground disturbance N/A
Vegetation clearance N/A
Re-use of resources protocol N/A
Unplanned Threatened Species Finds
Weed and Pest Management
Vehicle Hygiene
Vegetation Constraint Management
Groundcover Management
Implementing this BMP will ensure that the Project Team meets the Project requirements in a systematic
manner and continually improves its performance.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 2
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment approved this BMP V3.1 on 14/10/2019.
After the approval of the Modification Application, which involved additional biodiversity assessment and
offset calculations, this plan was updated to include the new project scope. No changes to the mitigation
strategies were required.
1.2 THE PROJECT
The Scope of Works under the contract includes all works necessary to design, construct, test, commission,
energise, decommission, and train staff in the operation of a 174 MW
AC
solar farm including energy storage
(approximately 25 MW / 100 MW rated capacity), and inverter stations.
The Scope of Works consists of but is not limited to:
•
Approximately 440,000 solar panels (up to 4.5 metres (m) in height) and approximately 50
inverter stations (up to 2.9 m in height).
•
An energy storage facility (approximately 25 MW / 100 MW rated capacity) with up to 6
purpose-built blocks (which will be constructed at a later date outside the main construction
period).
•
Underground 33kV, 132 kV or 330 kilovolt (kV) transmission cables connecting the energy
storage facility to the TransGrid substation.
•
Internal access tracks, staff amenities, car parking, laydown area and security fencing.
•
The substation expansion includes underground transmission cables and an additional
substation bench (located on the western edge of the existing substation).
During construction and operation, the site will be accessed off Goolma Road, approximately 4.6 km north
of the intersection with the Mitchell Highway. Key road works for the Project will involve upgrading the
intersection of Goolma Road and the site access point with a Basic Right Turn (BAR) and Basic Left Turn
(BAL) treatment.
In terms of timing:
The construction period will last for up to 12 months from the commencement of site
establishment works and include a peak period of 6 months. Construction hours will be
limited to Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm, and Saturday 8 am to 1pm.
The expected operational life of the project is approximately thirty years.
The estimated Capital Investment Value of the Project is $270 million.
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OVERVIEW
The BMP is part of the Lightsource BP’s environmental management framework for the Project, as
described in the overall Environmental Management System (EMS).
Used together, the EMS, BMP and other sub-plans, procedures and EWMS form management guides that
clearly identify required environmental management actions for reference by Lightsource BP Infrastructure
personnel and contractors.
The review and document control processes for this plan are described in the EMS.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 3
1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
The sustainability policy describes Lightsource BP’s commitment to minimise the environmental impacts
and enhancing the social and economic benefits of their products.
The environmental policy is displayed at the site office and communicated to employees and other
interested parties via inductions and ongoing awareness programs.
A copy of the environmental policy is provided in the EMS.
1.5 CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
Management reviews are undertaken as part of the continual improvement process. The review process
will be detailed in the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Communication is also key for continual improvement as discussed in Section 11.1.
1.6 CONSULTATION
Consultation was undertaken with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Division (BCD, formerly the Office of
Environment and Heritage) on 6 March 2019 to discuss requirements for preparation of this BMP. A
working draft was supplied and high-level discussion was held regarding the requirements of the BMP.
Comments provided (refer to Appendix D.1) are addressed in this plan.
Consultation was undertaken with BCD again on 8 July 2019 to seek input on a revised BMP covering both
construction and operation. A draft was supplied and comments provided (Appendix D.2) are addressed in
this plan.
Additional comments were received from the BCD on 16 September 2019 (Appendix D.3) on the revised
BMP provided to the BCD. Key comments related to specificity of actions and performance criteria, to
ensure the BMP can be audited in a meaningful way. Cross referencing errors were also noted. This final
version addresses all comments received during the consultation process with the BCD.
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment approved this BMP V3.1 on 14/10/2019.
After the approval of the Modification Application, which involved additional biodiversity assessment and
offset calculations, this plan was updated to include the new project scope (V3.2). No changes to the
mitigation strategies were required.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 4
Figure 1-1 Site map showing biodiversity constraints.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 5
2 PLANNING
2.1 LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
REQUIREMENTS
2.1.1 Legislation
Legislation relevant to biodiversity management includes:
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act).
Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act).
Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act).
Biosecurity Act 2015.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Relevant provisions of the above legislation are explained in the register of legal and other requirements
included in Appendix B of the EMS.
2.1.2 Guidelines and standards
The main guidelines, specifications and policy documents relevant to this BMP include:
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. 2001. Policy for the Translocation of Threatened Fauna in
NSW: Policy and Procedure Statement No. 9 Threatened Species Unit, Hurstville NSW.
Relevant recovery plans, priority action statements and best practice guidelines.
DECCW. 2008. Hygiene protocol for the control of disease in frogs.
Australian Standard AS 4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees.
Australian Standard 4970 – 2009 Protection of Trees.
2.2 OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS
2.2.1 Objectives
Construction
The key objective of the BMP during construction is to ensure that the impacts of this project on
biodiversity are managed and are within the scope permitted by the planning approval.
To achieve this objective, Lightsource BP will:
Ensure appropriate controls and procedures are implemented during construction activities to
avoid (where necessary) or minimise potential adverse impacts to biodiversity values in the Project
footprint.
Ensure appropriate measures are implemented to address the mitigation measures detailed in the
EIS, BAR and CoCs.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 6
Ensure appropriate measures are implemented to comply with all relevant legislation and other
requirements as described in section 4 and section 8 of this BMP.
Operation
The key objective of the BMP during operation is to ensure that the impacts of this project on biodiversity
are managed and the condition of site biodiversity values maintained over the lifetime of the project.
To achieve this objective, Lightsource BP will:
Ensure appropriate controls and procedures are maintained during operation to manage
potential adverse impacts to biodiversity values in the Project footprint.
Protect areas outside the Project impact areas (but within the site boundaries).
Ensure biodiversity monitoring is carried out regularly, particularly for vegetation under the
panels and in exclusion zones, to maintain biodiversity values in these areas.
Ensure the project continues to comply with all relevant legislation and other requirements.
2.2.2 Targets
The following targets have been established for the management of biodiversity impacts for the Project:
Construction
Ensure full compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.
Ensure full compliance with relevant requirements of the EIS, BAR and CoCs.
No disturbance to biodiversity outside the construction footprint.
Minimise disturbance to biodiversity in the project area.
Retain existing native riparian vegetation to the greatest extent possible in an undamaged
and unaltered condition.
Protect exclusion zones from all adverse impacts throughout the construction period.
Survey weed abundance in exclusion zones quarterly during construction, and use this
survey as a basis for implementing seasonal targeted weed control measures in each zone.
Survey and map weed distribution across the project site monthly during construction and
use to implement targeted weed control measures to control all mapped infestations.
Targeted weed control measures to be implemented for any seasonal weed outbreaks
within a year of discovery.
No native fauna mortality or injury during construction.
No pollution or siltation of aquatic ecosystems, wetlands, endangered ecological
communities or threatened species habitat.
Rehabilitate all disturbed areas not required for the operation of the solar farm.
Revegetation of disturbed areas will have 70% ground cover over 90% of disturbed areas
within 12 months of establishment or corrective actions would be implemented:
o Failed vegetation patches greater than 5 m
2
will be revegetated.
o Scours greater than 50 mm deep and 100 m long will be revegetated.
o Targeted weed control measures will be implemented if weed cover exceeds 10%
of groundcover or if priority weeds are detected.
o Ground cover will achieve seed set across at least 80% of area treated.
o Native species will be used for revegetation.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 7
Operation
Ensure full compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.
Ensure full compliance with relevant requirements of the EIS, BAR and CoCs.
No disturbance to biodiversity outside the operational footprint.
Minimise disturbance to biodiversity in the project area.
Retain existing native riparian vegetation to the greatest extent possible in an undamaged
and unaltered condition.
Maintain or improve the baseline vegetation condition class of exclusion zones throughout
the operation period.
Survey weed abundance in exclusion zones quarterly during operation, and use this survey
as basis for implementing seasonal targeted weed control measures in each area.
A general reduction in the abundance of weeds in exclusion zones during the operation
period.
Survey weed distribution across the project site quarterly during operation and use to
implement targeted weed control measures.
Demonstrate reduced weed distribution annually by at least 50% in mapped infestation
areas.
Targeted weed control measures to be implemented for any seasonal weed outbreaks
within a year of discovery.
New invasive weeds recorded in project area compared to baseline surveys are controlled.
African Boxthorn and listed priority weeds eradicated from project area within three years
of detection.
No native fauna mortality or injury during operation.
No pollution or siltation of aquatic ecosystems, wetlands, endangered ecological
communities or threatened species habitat.
Note, rehabilitation of operational areas is covered by the Groundcover Management Plan in Appendix A.
2.3 CONDITIONS OF CONSENT
DPE (now DPIE) issued approval for the Project on 25 May 2018. Modified Approval was granted on
December 11, 2019.
Specific conditions relating to biodiversity which detail specific requirements for mitigation and
management measures are detailed in Table 2-1. Those relevant to construction are addressed in this plan.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 8
Table 2-1 Location of information in this BMP addressing the requirements of Conditions of Consent.
Condition of
Consent
Condition requirement Location Timing
LAND MANAGEMENT
Schedule 3
CoC 9
Following any construction or upgrading on site, the Applicant must:
a) Restore the ground cover of the site as soon as practicable, but
within 12 months of completing any construction or upgrades,
using suitable species;
b) Restore and maintain the ground cover with appropriate
perennial species;
c)
Manage weeds within this ground cover.
Appendix A
Section 7.5
Construction
BIODIVERSITY
Schedule 3
CoC 10
Within two years of commencing development under this consent, unless
otherwise agreed by the Secretary, the Applicant must retire biodiversity
credits of a number and class specified in Table 1 below to the satisfaction
of BCD.
The retirements of these credits must be carried out in accordance with
the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Policy for Major Projects and can be achieved
by:
a) Acquiring or retiring ‘biodiversity credits’ within the meaning of
the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016;
b) Making payments into an offset fund that has been developed by
the NSW Government; or
c) Providing supplementary measures.
Ecosystem credit requirements
Vegetation Community
PCT ID
Credits required
White Box grassy woodland in the upper
slopes sub-region of the NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion
PCT 266 3
Note: Following repeal of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 on 25
August 2017, credits created under that Act are taken to be “biodiversity credits”
under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 by virtue of clause 22 of the
Biodiversity Conservation (Savings and Transitional) Regulation 2017.
Section 8 Within two
years of
commencement
Schedule 3
CoC 10
Within two years of commencing development under this consent, unless
otherwise agreed by the Secretary, the Applicant must retire biodiversity
credits of a number and class specified in Table 1 and Table 2 below to the
satisfaction of BCD.
The retirement of these credits must be carried out in accordance with the
NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and can be achieved by:
(a) acquiring or retiring ‘biodiversity credits’ within the meaning of
the BC Act;
(b) making payments into an offset fund that has been developed by
the NSW Government; or
(c) providing supplementary measures.
Table 1: Ecosystem Credit Requirements
PCT ID
Vegetation Community
Credits
Required
under the TSC
Act
266
White Box grassy woodland in the upper
slopes’ subregion of the NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion 266 3 1
1
Section 8 Within two
years of
commencement
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 9
Condition of
Consent
Condition requirement Location Timing
Table 2: Species Credit Requirements
Species Credit Species
Credits Required
under the BC Act
Pink-tailed Legless Lizard (Apraisia parapulchella)
2
Schedule 3
CoC 11
Prior to the commencement of construction, the Applicant must prepare a
Biodiversity Management Plan for the development in consultation with
BCD, and to the satisfaction of the Secretary. This plan must:
a) Include a description of the measures that would be
implemented for:
Protecting vegetation and fauna habitat outside the
approved disturbance areas;
Maximise the salvage of vegetative and soil resources
within the approved disturbance area for beneficial
reuse in the enhancement or the rehabilitation of the
site;
b) Include a seasonally based program to monitor and report on the
effectiveness of these measures;
c) Include details of who would be responsible for monitoring,
reviewing and implementing the plan, and timeframes for
completion of actions.
Following the Secretary’s approval, the Applicant must implement the
Biodiversity Management Plan.
Note: If the biodiversity credits are retired via a Biobanking Stewardship
Agreements, then the Biodiversity Management Plan does not need to include any
of the matters
that are covered under the
Biobanking Stewardship Agreement.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Section 7.2
Section 10.3
Section 8,
Section 10.1
Pre-
construction
2.4 COMMITMENTS
Commitments to protect biodiversity over the life of the Project were contained in the Submissions Report.
The commitments listed in Table 5-1 are in addition to the CoCs in section 2.3.
Table 2-2 Commitments of the Proponent and Project Contractors.
Commitment
reference
Commitment requirement Location in
the BMP
Timing
BIODIVERSITY CREDITS
Submissions
report
If the credit profile of the final infrastructure layout cannot be reduced to
zero, retirement of the biodiversity credits from the biodiversity register
established under Part 7A of the TSC Act would be undertaken.
Section 8 Pre-
construction
MANAGEMENT PLANS
Submissions
report
Preparation of a Flora and Fauna Management Plan (FFMP) that would
incorporate protocols for:
Protection of native vegetation to be retained.
Best practice removal and disposal of vegetation.
Staged removal of hollow-bearing trees and other habitat
features such as fallen logs with attendance by an ecologist.
Weed management.
Unexpected threatened species finds.
Rehabilitation of disturbed areas.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Section 7.1,
Section 7.2,
Section 7.4,
Section 7.5,
Pre-
construction
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 10
Commitment
reference
Commitment requirement Location in
the BMP
Timing
The FFMP would consider the potential to link and enhance remnant
patches on the site.
The FFMP would form part of the Wellington Solar Farm Construction
Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Section 7.7
Appendix A
Submissions
report
Weed, hygiene and pest management protocols will be prepared and
implemented as part of the Flora and Fauna Management Plan for the
proposal.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Section 7.5,
Section 7.6
Pre-
construction
Construction
Operation
Submissions
report
A Groundcover Management Plan would be developed in consultation with
an agronomist, and taking account of soil survey results to ensure
perennial grass cover is established across the site as soon as practicable
after construction and maintained throughout the operation phase. The
plan would cover:
Soil restoration and preparation requirements.
Species election.
Soil preparation.
Establishment techniques.
Maintenance requirements.
Perennial groundcover targets, indicators, condition monitoring,
reporting and evaluation arrangements – i.e. live grass cover
would be maintained at or above 70% at all times to protect soils,
landscape function and water quality. Any grazing stock would be
removed from the site when cover falls below this level. Grass
cover would be monitored on a fortnightly basis using an accepted
methodology.
Contingency measures to respond to declining soil or groundcover
condition.
Identification of baseline conditions for rehabilitation following
decommissioning.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Appendix A
Pre-
construction
Construction
Operation
Submissions
report
A Groundcover Management Plan would be developed and implemented
to ensure an appropriate perennial ground cover is established and
maintained beneath the arrays during operation of the solar farm. This will
require consideration of existing groundcover and may require expert
input and trials to achieve the objective.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Appendix A
Develop:
Pre-
construction
Implement:
Construction
and
Operation
Submissions
report
The CEMP (Construction Environmental Management Plan) will include
measures to avoid noise encroachment on adjacent habitats such as
avoiding night works as much as possible.
CEMP
Section 7.7
Pre-
construction
CONSTRUCTION
Submissions
report
Hollow-bearing trees within the development site would not be cleared
between June and January, to avoid the breeding and core hibernation
period of Corben’s Long-eared Bat.
If clearing outside of this period cannot be achieved, pre-clearing surveys
would be undertaken to ensure these species do not occur.
Section 7.2.6
Section 5.3.2
Construction
Submissions
report
Stockpiling materials and equipment and parking vehicles will be avoided
within the dripline (extent of foliage cover) of any native tree.
Section 5
Stockpile
Procedure
Pre-
construction
Construction
Submissions
report
Prior to the commencement of work, a physical vegetation clearing
boundary at the approved clearing limit is to be clearly demarcated and
Section 7.1
Section 7.2
Pre-
construction
Construction
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 11
Commitment
reference
Commitment requirement Location in
the BMP
Timing
implemented. The delineation of such a boundary may include the use of
temporary fencing, flagging tape, para-webbing or similar.
Submissions
report
A riparian buffer zone of 40 m along Wuuluman Creek would be clearly
delineated prior to works commencing. Works would be avoided within the
riparian buffer zone.
Section 7.2.4 Pre-
construction
Construction
Submissions
report
Existing native riparian vegetation is retained to the greatest extent
possible in an undamaged and unaltered condition.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Section 2.2,
Section 5,
Section
7.2
Pre-
construction
Construction
Submissions
report
Works occurring around Wuuluman Creek should be in accordance with
the DPI Fisheries Policy and Guideline document: Policies and Guidelines
for Fish Habitat Conservation and Management.
Section 5
SWMP
Pre-
construction
Construction
Submissions
report
Where possible, landscape plantings will be comprised of local indigenous
species with the objective of increasing the diversity of the existing
vegetation. Planting locations would be designed to improve the
connectivity between patches in the landscape where consistent with
landscaping outcomes.
Landscaping
Plan
Construction
Submissions
report
Carry out refuelling of plant and equipment, chemical storage and
decanting off site or at least 50 m away from farm dams in impervious
bunds.
Ensure that dry and wet spill kits are readily available.
SWMS
Section 5
Construction
Operation
Submissions
report
Avoid night works.
Direct lights away from vegetation.
Section 5
Section 7.7
CEMP
Construction
Operation
Submissions
report
Awareness training during site inductions regarding site speed limits.
Site speed limits to be enforced.
Construction
requirement
covered by
this report
Section
5
Pre-
construction
Construction
Operation
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 12
3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
3.1 SOILS
Full details of the soil characteristics are contained in the SWMP. Details below are relevant to this BMP.
The topography of the project site is flat to gently undulating and sits at an elevation of between 300 and
415 metres (m) above sea level (ASL). The site includes the following topographic features:
A hill is located in the north-eastern part of the site (rising to 415 m ASL).
Wuuluman Creek, and two tributaries of the creek, occur on the site and generally drain
water from the site in an east to west direction.
One soil landscape occurs at the project site: Bodangora (bz). This soil landscape has the following
limitations:
High erosion hazard under cultivation and low cover levels
Moderate fertility
Friable surface soils
Moderate to high shrink-swell potential in subsoils
Aggregated clays may leak in earthworks
eSpade (OEH, 2017) indicates that the project site has a moderate to very high salinity hazard, although
subsequent testing showed the site has low salinity and sodicity. There is no potential for acid sulphate
soils to occur at the project site.
No specific remediation treatment is considered to be required for the establishment of ground cover.
3.2 FLORA
The site is dominated by cleared areas that are primarily used for cropping and grazing, which provide very
little in terms of native fauna habitat (around 250 hectares (ha) or 47% within the site boundary).
Fragmented areas of grassy woodland also occur within the project boundary.
The Project has been designed to minimise clearing of native woodland vegetation and threatened species
habitats. In this regard, the development footprint comprises only around 316 ha of the project area,
primarily to minimise biodiversity impacts.
The Project will retain:
The majority of grassy woodland vegetation of high importance.
The majority of endangered ecological communities.
3.2.1 Vegetation communities
Two Plant Community Types (PCTs) were identified in the development site:
White Box grassy woodland in the upper slopes sub-region of the NSW South Western Slopes (PCT
266).
Blakely’s Red Gum – Yellow Box grassy tall woodland (PCT 277).
Both of these PCTs are listed as Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs).
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 13
White Box Grassy Woodland
Within the solar farm development site, this PCT occurred as:
1.81 ha of woodland vegetation in moderate to good condition.
0.90 ha of woodland vegetation in moderate to good condition comprised from a previous tree
planting.
1.75 ha of woodland vegetation in low condition.
5.86 ha of derived grassland in moderate to good condition.
133.59 ha of derived grassland in low condition.
In the woodland vegetation, the overstory is characteristically dominated by White Box Eucalyptus albens
with occasional Kurrajong Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus. Understory vegetation is comprised
of native grasses and herbs, and some exotic species.
A planted tree lot occurred along Goolma Road near the substation. This tree lot comprised mature White
Box Eucalyptus albens, White Cypress Pine Callitris glaucophylla, Mugga Ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon
and Kurrajong Brachyscome populneus in rows. Understory vegetation is comprised of native grasses and
exotic annual grasses. Some native shrubs also occur in the understory.
In the derived grassland in moderate to good condition, the native groundcover is comprised of species
such as Red Grass Bothriochloa macra, Nineawn Grass Enneapogon sp., Yellow Burr-daisy Calotis
lappulacea, Spear Grass Austrostipa scabra, Umbrella Grass Digitaria divaricatissima and Bluebells
Wahlenbergia luteola in greater than 50% cover. Exotic species are common. The low condition derived
grassland consists of similar native grasses and forbs but with less than 50% native species cover and is
dominated by exotic species.
Blakely’s Red Gum – Yellow Box Grassy Tall Woodland
Within the solar farm development site, PCT 277 occurred as two small patches (totalling 0.32 ha) of low
condition woodland vegetation.
The overstorey was dominated by Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora with some Fuzzy Box Eucalyptus
conica. The groundcover was disturbed by the impacts of stock. Exotic species dominated the groundcover.
Only one native species, Hogweed Zaleya galericulata was recorded during plot surveys.
Update due to substation expansion 2019
The consented layout in 2018 had an overhead transmission line connecting to the existing Wellington
substation from the solar farm. The project, as modified in 2019 now allows for an underground
transmission cable connection to the Wellington substation from the solar farm.
Additionally, an expansion of the existing substation compound is required to house additional
infrastructure. In total, the modified works require 0.69 ha of ground disturbance. Importantly, of the 0.69
ha of ground disturbance associated with the modification, 0.32 ha would have been impacted by the
consented 2018 overhead transmission line alignment.
The updated impact areas for each PCT are now shown below.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 14
Table 3-1 Changed impact areas; Consented 2018 and Modification Application 2019.
Zone ID Vegetation zones Condition class
Total impact areas
Submissions Report 2018
(ha)
(consented)
Modification application
2019 (ha)
1
PCT #277 BVT CW112
Blakely’s Red Gum –
Yellow Box grassy tall
woodland of the NSW
South Western Slopes
Bioregion
Low 0.27 0
2
PCT #266 BVT CW216
White Box Grassy
Woodland in the Upper
Slopes sub-region of the
NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion
Moderate/Good
Other (Planted
Vegetation)
0 0.02
3
PCT #266 BVT CW216
White Box Grassy
Woodland in the Upper
Slopes sub-region of the
NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion
Low
1.98 0
4
PCT #266 BVT CW216
White Box Grassy
Woodland in the Upper
Slopes sub-region of the
NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion
Moderate –
good
0.06 0
5
PCT #266BVT CW216
White Box Grassy
Woodland in the Upper
Slopes sub-region of the
NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion
Derived
Grassland –
Moderate to
Good
0.03 0.36
6
PCT #266BVT CW216
White Box Grassy
Woodland in the Upper
Slopes sub-region of the
NSW South Western
Slopes Bioregion
Derived
Grassland - Low
132.06 0.3
Total
(ha)
134.40 0.69
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 15
3.3 FAUNA
The field surveys for the EIS identified one threatened species, a Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae which
is listed as vulnerable in NSW. One was observed during spotlighting surveys in a large Yellow Box E.
melliodora. This tree contained two large hollows (greater than 20 cm) in the trunk.
The assessment determined that the habitat within the project site is unlikely to be preferred habitat of
the Masked Owl. The development site is highly cleared and fragmented with the nearest densely forested
area over two kilometres to the south-west. The development site is unlikely to provide foraging habitat
for the Masked Owl. Based on the NSW Recovery Plan for Large Owls (DEC, 2006), it was considered unlikely
that the Masked Owl would utilise the hollows in the development site for nesting. It is likely that the
individual observed was resting in the development site while travelling through. As such, no breeding
resources would be impacted by the project.
3.4 WEEDS AND PESTS
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris was the only non-native fauna species recorded during the EIS site
surveys. This species is not considered an invasive pest requiring control measures during construction or
operation of the Project.
Fifty-three species of weed were recorded in the project area. None of these species are listed on either
the BS Act and/or are weeds of national significance. However, Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn), is
listed on NSW WeedWise as having a prohibition on dealings in Dubbo Regional LGA, and Heliotropium sp.
(A Heliotrope), as banned from being bought, sold, carried, or released to the environment. African
Boxthorn is listed as a priority weed species in the Central West Regional Strategic Weed Management
Plan. Blue Heliotrope (Heliotropism amplexicaule) is also listed as a priority weed and may be the species
occurring at the site.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 16
4 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND IMPACTS
The construction and operation phases of the project have the potential to impact biodiversity values at
the site in ways that cannot be avoided. This would occur through direct impacts such as habitat clearance
and installation of infrastructure, and indirect impacts including weed ingress, soil and water
contamination, and generation of excessive dust, light, or noise.
Key aspects of the Project that could result in impacts to biodiversity have been described in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1 Potential biodiversity impacts as a result of the Project.
Impact Frequency Intensity Duration Consequence
Direct
Habitat clearance for
permanent and
temporary construction
facilities (e.g. solar
infrastructure,
transmission lines,
compound sites,
stockpile sites, access
tracks).
Regular High Construction
Direct loss of native flora and fauna
habitat including hollow-bearing trees.
Injury and mortality to fauna during
clearing of fauna habitat.
Introduction and spread of noxious
weeds and pathogens.
Disturbance to fallen timber, dead wood
and bush rock.
Impacts to Wuuluman
Creek and riparian
vegetation.
Rare Moderate Construction
Loss of riparian vegetation.
Bed and bank erosion.
Indirect
Accidental spills and
contamination from
construction activities
(including compound
sites) and maintenance
works.
Rare Moderate Construction
Operation
Pollution of soils and dams.
Earthworks Regular Moderate Construction
Erosion and sedimentation and/or
pollution of soils, dams and downstream
habitats.
Noise Regular Low Construction
Operation
Construction machinery and activities
and maintenance vehicles and works
may disturb local fauna.
Dust generation Regular Low Construction
Operation
Inhibit the function of plant species and
communities, soils and dams.
Light spills during night
works.
Rare Low Construction
Operation
May alter fauna activities and/or
movements.
Introduction/
encouragement of feral
pests, weeds or
pathogens.
Regular Moderate Construction
Operation
Feral pest, weed and/or pathogen
encroachment.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 17
5 WORK SCHEDULES
5.1 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION ACTIVITIES
The following work schedule is indicative of the staging that will be implemented at the project site. Some
activities may occur in parallel, particularly given the size of the project site.
The schedule in Table 5-1 is indicative of construction sequencing and mitigation measures. The schedule
in Table 5-2 is indicative of sequencing and mitigation measures during operation. These mitigation
measures, where relevant, would be incorporated into EWMSs.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 18
Table 5-1 Schedule of construction works.
Project phase Potential disturbance Key actions and mitigation Performance target
Construction
site set up
Disturbance to native
groundcover from vehicle
movements.
Disturbance and removal of
fauna habitat including woody
debris.
Spread of priority weeds.
Collision with wildlife causing
injury or death.
Disturbance of native fauna by
light or noise at night.
Prior to the commencement of work, a physical vegetation
clearing boundary at the approved clearing limit is to be
clearly demarcated and implemented. The delineation of
such a boundary may include the use of temporary fencing,
flagging tape, para-webbing etc.
A riparian buffer zone of 40 m along Wuuluman Creek
would be clearly delineated prior to works commencing.
Works would be avoided in riparian buffer zone.
Existing native riparian vegetation is retained to the
greatest extent possible in an undamaged and unaltered
condition.
Stockpiling materials and equipment and parking vehicles
will be avoided within the dripline (extent of foliage cover)
of any native tree.
Wash and inspect plant and vehicles as per Vehicle Hygiene
Procedure.
Pre-clearing surveys will be carried out by an ecologist and
will include general fauna surveys, general tree hollow
inspections and dam/waterway inspections. Habitat trees
will be clearly marked with flagging tape.
Hollow-bearing trees within the development site would
not be cleared between June and January, to avoid
breeding and core hibernation periods of Corben’s Long-
eared Bat.
If clearing outside this period cannot be achieved, pre-
clearing surveys would be undertaken to ensure these
species do not occur.
Include awareness training in site inductions regarding site
speed limits. Site speed limits to be enforced.
Avoid night works.
Where night works cannot be avoided, work must not take
place within 100 m of exclusion zones.
Direct lights away from vegetation.
No disturbance to biodiversity outside
the approved construction footprint.
Minimise disturbance to
biodiversity in the project area.
Retain existing native riparian
vegetation to the greatest extent
possible in an undamaged and unaltered
condition.
Protect exclusion zones from adverse
impacts during construction.
Weeds and pests are controlled.
Speed limits will be enforced.
No native fauna mortalities during
construction.
No works causing light or noise impacts
occurring near exclusion zones at night.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 19
Project phase Potential disturbance Key actions and mitigation Performance target
Noise-emitting plant will be oriented so that noise will be
directed away from exclusion zones wherever possible.
When not in use, vehicles and plant will not be left idling
near exclusion zones, but will be switched off whenever
possible.
Internal road
construction
Disturbance to native
groundcover from vehicle
movements.
Disturbance and removal of
fauna habitat including woody
debris.
Disturbance to native fauna
from lights and noise.
Collision with wildlife causing
injury or death.
Disturbance of groundcover
from stockpiles.
Spread of priority weeds.
Spills from vehicles, plant, and
storage facilities.
Pollution of waterways or
native vegetation.
Wash and inspect plant and vehicles as per Vehicle Hygiene
Procedure.
Stockpiling and storage of materials and machinery will
occur only on designated direct disturbance areas.
Stockpiling materials and equipment and parking vehicles
will be avoided within the dripline (extent of foliage cover)
of any native tree.
Avoid night works.
Direct lights away from vegetation.
Include awareness training in site inductions regarding site
speed limits.
Site speed limits to be enforced.
Carry out refuelling of plant and equipment, chemical
storage and decanting off site or at least 50 m away from
farm dams in impervious bunds.
Ensure that dry and wet spill kits are readily available.
No disturbance to biodiversity outside
the approved construction footprint.
Minimise disturbance to
biodiversity in the project area.
Retain existing native riparian
vegetation to the greatest extent
possible in an undamaged and unaltered
condition.
Protect exclusion zones from adverse
impacts during construction.
No mortality of native fauna during
construction.
Weeds and pests are controlled.
Speed limits will be enforced.
No native fauna mortalities.
No pollution or siltation of aquatic
ecosystems, wetlands, endangered
ecological communities or threatened
species habitat.
Construction of
solar farm
infrastructure
Disturbance to native fauna
from lights and noise.
Collision with wildlife causing
injury or death.
Disturbance of groundcover
from stockpiles.
Spread of priority weeds
Spills from vehicles, plant, and
storage facilities.
Implement ground disturbance permit procedure before
any clearing activity.
Implement Vegetation Clearance Procedure for vegetation
removal.
Place CWD in remaining vegetated areas where
practicable.
Works occurring around Wuuluman Creek must be in
accordance with the DPI Fisheries document Policies
and Guidelines for Fish Habitat Conservation and
Management.
No disturbance to biodiversity outside
the approved construction footprint.
Minimise disturbance to biodiversity in
the project area.
Retain existing native riparian
vegetation to the greatest extent
possible in an undamaged and unaltered
condition.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 20
Project phase Potential disturbance Key actions and mitigation Performance target
Pollution of waterways or
native vegetation.
Record clearing and ground disturbance via spatial
mapping.
Provide awareness training during site inductions and
toolbox talks – emphasise the importance of native habitat.
Machinery, trucks and equipment will be restricted to
designated parking areas. No parking on roadside
vegetation will occur.
Stockpiles and storage of materials and machinery will
avoid the dripline (extent of foliage cover) of any native
tree.
Stockpiling and storage of materials will occur only on
designated direct disturbance areas.
Plant and vehicles will be washed and inspected as per
Vehicle Hygiene Procedure.
Avoid night works.
Direct lights away from vegetation.
Topsoil will be salvaged where possible within the approved
disturbance area and stockpiled for beneficial reuse in the
enhancement or the rehabilitation of the site, as per the
Weed Management Procedure (section 7.5.1) and
Rehabilitation Plan (separate to this report).
Carry out refuelling of plant and equipment, chemical
storage and decanting off site or at least 50 m away from
farm dams in impervious bunds.
Ensure that dry and wet spill kits are readily available.
Protect exclusion zones from all adverse
impacts throughout the construction
period.
Survey weed abundance in exclusion
zones seasonally during construction
and use as basis for implementing
seasonal targeted weed control
measures in each zone.
Survey weed abundance across the
project site seasonally during
construction and use to implement
targeted weed control measures to
control weed infestations.
Targeted weed control measures to be
implemented for any seasonal weed
outbreaks within a year of discovery.
No mortality of native fauna during
vegetation removal.
Weeds and pests are controlled.
Speed limits will be enforced.
No native fauna mortalities during
construction.
No pollution or siltation of aquatic
ecosystems, wetlands, endangered
ecological communities or threatened
species habitat.
Removal of
temporary
construction
equipment.
Disturbance to existing native
fauna from lights and noise.
Disturbance of groundcover
from stockpiles.
Spread of priority weeds.
Machinery, trucks and equipment will be restricted to
designated parking areas. No parking on roadside
vegetation will occur.
Stockpiles and storage of materials and machinery will
avoid the dripline (extent of foliage cover) of any native
tree.
Stockpiles and storage will occur only on designated direct
disturbance areas.
Weeds and pests are controlled.
Speed limits will be enforced.
No native fauna mortalities during
construction.
No pollution or siltation of aquatic
ecosystems, wetlands, endangered
ecological communities or threatened
species habitat.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 21
Project phase Potential disturbance Key actions and mitigation Performance target
Direct any lighting away from vegetation.
Plant and vehicles will be inspected and washed as per
Traffic Management Procedure.
Install and maintain ERSED controls.
Protect exclusion zones from adverse
impacts during construction.
Revegetation
Loss of groundcover
Spread of priority weeds
Restore the ground cover of the site as soon as practicable,
but within 12 months of completing any construction or
upgrades, using suitable species.
Restore and maintain the ground cover with appropriate
perennial species.
Manage weeds within this ground cover.
Rehabilitate all disturbed areas not
required for the operation of the solar
farm.
Revegetation of disturbed areas will
have 70% ground cover over 90% of
disturbed areas:
- Failed vegetation patches greater
than 5 m
2
will be revegetated.
-
Ground cover will achieve seed set across
at least 80% of area.
Native species will be
for re
vegetation.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 22
Table 5-2 Schedule of operation works.
Project phase Potential disturbance Key actions and mitigation Performance target
Operation and
Maintenance
Loss of groundcover.
Spread of priority weeds.
Disturbance to native
groundcover from vehicle
movements.
Collision with wildlife causing
injury or death.
Disturbance of native fauna by
light or noise at night.
Decline in vegetation condition
of exclusion zones.
Maintain ground cover with appropriate perennial species
(Appendix A).
Manage weeds within ground cover.
Manage weeds within exclusion zones.
Vehicles will be inspected and washed as per Vehicle
Hygiene Procedure.
Machinery, trucks and equipment will be restricted to
designated parking areas. No parking on roadside
vegetation will occur.
Include awareness training in site inductions regarding site
speed limits.
Site speed limits to be enforced.
Avoid night works.
Where night works cannot be avoided, work must not take
place within 100 m of exclusion zones.
Direct lights away from vegetation.
Noise-emitting plant will be oriented so that noise will be
directed away from exclusion zones wherever possible.
When not in use, vehicles and plant will not be left idling
near exclusion zones, but will be switched off whenever
possible.
Groundcover will be maintained at 70%
cover over 90% of disturbed areas
throughout operation.
a) Failed vegetation patches greater
than 5 m
2
will be revegetated.
b) Ground cover will achieve seed set
across at least 80% of area.
c) Native species will be used for
revegetation.
No disturbance to biodiversity outside
the approved operational footprint.
Minimise disturbance to biodiversity in
the project area.
Retain existing native riparian
vegetation to the greatest extent
possible in an undamaged and unaltered
condition.
No native fauna mortality or injury
during operation.
No pollution or siltation of aquatic
ecosystems, wetlands, endangered
ecological communities or threatened
species habitat.
Maintain or improve the baseline
vegetation condition class of exclusion
zones throughout the operation period.
Survey and map weed abundance in
exclusion zones annually during
operation, and use as basis for
implementing annual targeted weed
control measures in each
zone
.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 23
Project phase Potential disturbance Key actions and mitigation Performance target
No increase in weed abundance in
exclusion zones from baseline levels at
end of operation period.
Annually survey and map weed
distribution across the project site and
use to implement targeted weed control
measures.
Demonstrate reduced weed distribution
annually by at least 50% in mapped
infestation areas.
Targeted weed control measures to be
implemented for any seasonal weed
outbreaks within a year of discovery.
No increase in distribution of weeds
from baseline in the project site at end
of operation period.
No new invasive weeds recorded in
project area compared to baseline
surveys at end of operation period.
African Boxthorn and listed priority
weeds eradicated from project area
before end of operation period.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 24
6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ZONES
The Project area has been divided into four discrete zones for the purposes of biodiversity management:
1. Woodland areas that will be impacted by the project
2. Derived Native Grassland Areas that will be impacted by the project
3. Riparian areas that will be avoided and retained by the project
4. Areas of EEC/CEEC that will be avoided and retained by the project
These zones are described below and their location is shown on Figure 6-1. These zones are referred to in
the management protocols and procedures described in Section 7 and summarised in Section 8.
Zone 1 - Woodland areas that will be impacted by the project
These are areas where tree removal will be required during construction. Specific protocols will need to be
employed to manage the impacts of vegetation clearance. These areas would then be managed as per
Management Zone 2 for the operational phase of the project where a native ground cover is present.
Zone 2 - Derived Native Grassland Areas that will be impacted by/not excluded from the project
These are areas where much of the solar farm infrastructure will be constructed. These areas will require
ongoing management particularly during operation to ensure adequate groundcover is retained and to
manage weeds.
Zone 3 - Riparian areas that will be avoided and retained by the project
The riparian areas within the project area are exclusion zones and are to be projected for the life of the
project. This zone is particularly vulnerable to erosion, sedimentation and contamination. Enrichment and
improvement of this zone can occur during construction and operation.
Zone 4 - Areas of EEC/CEEC that will be avoided and retained by the project
These are areas of conservation importance that are identified exclusion zones to be protected for the life
of the project. They differ from Zone 3 in that they are listed as State or Commonwealth EEC or CEEC.
Ensuring these areas are not degraded for the life of the project, such as through weed invasion, is also
particularly important. Enrichment and improvement of this zone can occur during construction and
operation.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 25
Figure 6-1 Environmental management zones for the project area
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7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS
AND PROCEDURES
The following protocols and procedures have been developed to manage the impacts of the project on
biodiversity. Table 7-1 below summarises the stage of the project to which the protocol/procedure applies.
Table 7-1 Summary of protocol and procedure timing.
Construction Operation
Ground disturbance protocol N/A
Vegetation clearance procedure N/A
Re-use of resources protocol N/A
Threatened Species Finds Procedure
Weed and Pest Management Protocol
Vehicle Hygiene Procedure
Vegetation Constraint Management
Groundcover Management Plan
Each of these protocols/procedures is described in detail in this section below.
Risks to fauna from vehicle collision have also been identified however this is managed through the
implementation of speed limits which is covered in the project’s Safety Plan. Monitoring of fauna fatalities
has been included as part of this BMP in Section 10.3 with appropriate triggers and responses included.
Table 8-1 provides a summary of the key performance criteria for the protocols and procedures detailed in
this BMP and triggers for corrective actions. The actions to be implemented should the trigger arise are also
described.
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7.1 GROUND DISTURBANCE PROTOCOL
A ground disturbance permit process will be implemented during construction and applies to Management
Zones 1 and 2. The ground disturbance permit process is integral to communicate the distinction between
vegetation protection areas and the ground disturbance footprints in which construction contractors will
be working. This process is also vital to enable the construction contractor to track and control vegetation
clearing on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
The ground disturbance permit process is managed by the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Control
(HSEQ) Manager and is summarised below.
Contractors are informed in their contract and site induction that all ground disturbing activities
require them to obtain a ground disturbance permit prior to undertaking the work.
The ground disturbance permit must be submitted to the HSEQ Manager via email at least 48 hours
before the work is undertaken.
The HSEQ Manager will compare the proposed ground disturbance area to the project footprint
detailed in the current approved development design.
The HSEQ Manager will visit the site and conduct a pre-clearing survey (Section 7.2.2) to digitally
capture and display clearance boundaries, with captured data uploaded to the project GIS
database, and mark out vegetation projection areas.
The HSEQ Manager will either issue the permit unamended or contact the contractor for further
clarification.
Once the permit has been issued, the construction contractor may undertake ground works as per
their contract.
Once the work has been completed (date specified in the permit), the HSEQ Manager will inspect
the site, request any additional clean up or remediation activities and sign-off that the conditions
of the permit have been met.
The HSEQ Manager will then record the disturbed area as part of a running total disturbed area for
the Project.
An example of the ground disturbance permit form is provided in Appendix C.1.
7.2 VEGETATION CLEARANCE PROCEDURE
The vegetation clearance procedure will be implemented for vegetation clearance during construction.
7.2.1 Monitoring total clearing footprint
Vegetation clearance is only permitted in the areas identified in the BAR 2017 and 2019 (now delineated
as Management Zones 1 and 2). No more than 135.08 ha of native vegetation will be removed in total
(comprising 0.47 ha of PCT 266 moderate to good condition, 134.34 ha of PCT 266 low condition, and 0.27
ha of PCT 277 low condition), otherwise the biodiversity credit requirement will be affected. Any additional
clearance required will first require a project modification.
Prior to vegetation clearing, the HSEQ Manager will digitally capture and display clearance boundaries
within the site. Survey teams and GIS databases will be used to inform and record vegetation clearing
and site rehabilitation.
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The cumulative amount of vegetation cleared will be progressively monitored by the HSEQ Manager. Prior
to undertaking any vegetation clearing, this value will be compared to the total approved area to be cleared.
Demarcation of the development footprint is the responsibility of the construction contractor and will be
determined by them. Typical measures will include:
Use of temporary fencing
Flag tape or rope
Physical separation such as by an earth bund or drain
7.2.2 Pre-clearing surveys
Pre-clearing surveys will be carried out by an Ecologist prior to any vegetation clearing. The following pre-
clearing surveys will be carried out when habitat trees are to be removed, including hollow-bearing trees
and other woody vegetation:
Identifying any potential breeding/roosting habitat
Recording number, location and type of tree hollows present for use during hollow-bearing tree
removal
Clearly marking habitat trees with flagging tape and demarcating area to be cleared
Targeted surveys for Corben’s Long-eared Bat, if clearing within breeding and core hibernation
period between June and January
The results of these surveys will be provided to site staff (including equipment operators) involved in
vegetation clearing, through site inductions, toolbox talks, and targeted training (Section 10.2), as well as
through the issuing of ground clearance permits (Section 7.1).
7.2.3 General Process
When undertaking vegetation clearing, the process shown in Figure 7-1 will be followed to minimise the
area of disturbance and the amount of vegetation to be cleared.
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Figure 7-1 Vegetation clearance procedure.
7.2.4 Clearing near Exclusion Zones
Exclusion zones containing vegetation constraints are shown in Figure 1-1 and must be protected from any
project impacts. Prior to construction commencing, vegetation in these areas will be protected by exclusion
fencing and signage (e.g. Figure 7-2 and Figure 7-3). These areas will be communicated to site staff
(including equipment operators) through site inductions, toolbox talks and targeted training prior to works
taking place in the vicinity. A vegetation exclusion zone will be established between vegetation constraints
and protective fencing (no closer than the dripline of the vegetation) to ensure that vegetation constraints
are not impacted accidentally. Additional exclusion fencing will define the boundary between vegetation
to be removed and vegetation to be retained.
Riparian constraint areas in the same figure comprise a 40 m riparian buffer zone along Wuuluman Creek.
This will be clearly delineated prior to works commencing with exclusion fencing and signage. Works must
be avoided within the riparian buffer zone.
Is the vegetation to be
cleared adjacent to
vegetation that is not to
be disturbed?
Demarcate the exclusion
zone using fencing, flags,
guide rope and/or
signage.
Does the non-sensitive
vegetation to be
removed comprise trees
with hollows?
Refer to the Hollow-
bearing tree removal
procedure.
Is pruning sufficient?
Prune the minimal
amount of branches
and foliage.
Remove the
vegetation.
Stockpile removed
vegetation in an
approved area.
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
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Figure 7-2 Example of exclusion zone signage.
Figure 7-3 Example of exclusion zone fencing.
Following any vegetation clearing in the vicinity of a Vegetation Constraint Area, the HSEQ Manager will
conduct an inspection of the area to confirm that the Constraint Area has not been impacted.
7.2.5 Lopping, pruning and trimming procedure
Heavy machinery will not be used for pruning or trimming. Appropriate tools to use are loppers, chain saws
and vehicle mounted saws.
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In the first instance, hollow bearing limbs will be retained. If this is not possible the hollow bearing limb will
be inspected by the Project Ecologist / suitably qualified expert and placed in adjacent undisturbed
vegetation to provide fauna habitat.
Tree limbs are to be removed using the three cut method as shown below in Figure 7-4.
Figure 7-4 Three-cut method of removing branches.
7.2.6 Hollow-bearing tree removal procedure
Hollow-bearing trees occur within Management Zone 1 and 2. They are important habitat feature for a
variety of native animals such as possums, gliders, birds and bats. Before clearing any hollow-bearing trees,
it is important to consider if animals are present. The following procedure (Figure 7-5) is a guide to give
animals an opportunity to escape a hollow-bearing tree prior to it being removed.
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Figure 7-5 Hollow bearing tree removal procedure.
Plan for clearing of hollow-bearing trees to
take place only outside the breeding and
core hibernation period of Corben's Long-
eared Bat.
Clear other surrounding native vegetation
first and allow hollow-bearing trees to
remain standing overnight. After at least one
night, hollow-bearing vegetation can be
removed in accordance with the following
steps.
Prior to removal, organise a spotter who will
look for signs of animal movement in the
vegetation to be cleared. Ensure that the
spotter can locate all hollows and that the
spotter has direct radio and/or visual
communication with the plant or chainsaw
operator.
Before felling the tree, use an excavator or
loader to nudge the trunk of the tree as high
as possible several times. Wait at least 30
seconds then repeat the process. This is to
allow any animals an opportunity to escape
prior to felling the tree. If using a chainsaw,
remove some non-hollow-bearing branches
first to allow any fauna the opportunity to
escape.
If removing the tree in stages, remove non-
hollow-bearing branches first, allowing an
opportunity for animals to escape.
Once the hollow-bearing branches of
hollow-bearing tree are on the ground, the
spotter must check each hollow for signs
of animals before the next branch/tree is
removed.
Keep a record of any animals that manage
to escape.
If any injured animals are found, refer to
animal handling procedure.
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7.2.7 Removal of trees outside the approved clearing limits
The approved clearing limit is the line between the vegetation to be removed and the vegetation to be
retained. It will be shown on all design plans as required. Some construction activities will require tree
removal or trimming that has not been included in the design.
Where additional impacts to trees are required, the following process will be followed:
1.
The Site Manager will notify the HSEQ Manager of the location and need for the tree impact via
the ground disturbance permit process
2.
The HSEQ Manager will assess that the tree (or other vegetation type) is not heritage listed, a
habitat tree, nominated for retention or protected under relevant legislation and is legally able to
be removed and/or trimmed. Alternatives to removing the tree will also be investigated at this
stage.
3.
The HSEQ Manager will consult a heritage specialist if heritage significance is suspected.
4.
The Supervisor will await written confirmation from the HSEQ Manager prior to restarting works
around the tree(s).
7.3 RE-USE OF RESOURCES
7.3.1 Re-use of Coarse Woody Debris (CWD)
Felled timber from Management Zones 1 and 2 greater than 200 mm and less than 600 mm in diameter
will be used as CWD for habitat enhancement and to maximise the salvage of resources within the
disturbance area for beneficial reuse. CWD can be used to enhance habitat values in existing vegetation
and rehabilitated areas including derived native grassland (either in offset areas or areas adjoining
impacted areas). CWD can provide:
Habitat for micro-invertebrates.
Habitat for macro-invertebrates.
Habitat for vertebrates using fallen timber for shelter, e.g. skinks, geckoes, dunnarts.
Habitat for vertebrates using fallen timber for foraging, e.g. treecreepers, robins.
A source of nutrients for native vegetation.
Increased habitat complexity.
CWD will be placed within Management Zones 3 and 4 shown in Figure 6-1 as discrete logs rather than in
piles to reduce fire risk and potential for use as shelter by feral animals such as foxes and rabbits. CWD will
be placed at discrete intervals at densities to ensure that the CWD Benchmark for the receiving PCT is not
exceeded. For PCT 266 (White Box grassy woodland) and PCT 277 (Blakely’s Red Gum – Yellow Box grassy
tall woodland), this benchmark is listed as 49 m per 1000 m
2
. That is, in any 50 x 20 m plot, the total linear
length of CWD greater than 10 cm in diameter will not exceed 49 m in total. The density of CWD must take
into account existing fallen timber. Removal, transportation, and placement of CWD will be carried out in
a manner that minimises disturbance to native vegetation, including the canopy, trees, shrubs, standing
dead timber, fallen timber, and groundcover, as well as topsoil.
Felled timber greater than 600 mm in diameter (primarily tree trunks) will be used as CWD where
practicable or left on site where it is too large to transport.
Felled timber between 10 and 200 mm in diameter will be chipped and used for disturbed area
rehabilitation.
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7.3.2 Re-use of rocks
Rocks greater than 300 mm diameter at their widest point removed during construction will be retained
and relocated to areas in either Management Zone 3 or 4 based on the advice of an Ecologist. Removal,
transportation, and placement of rocks will be carried out in a manner that minimises disturbance to
vegetation constraints, including the canopy, trees, shrubs, standing dead timber, fallen timber, and
groundcover, as well as topsoil.
7.3.3 Re-use of soil resources
Topsoil will be salvaged where possible within the approved disturbance area and stockpiled for beneficial
reuse in the enhancement or rehabilitation of the site, as per the Weed Management Procedure (section
7.5.1) and Rehabilitation Plan (separate to this report).
Stockpiles and storage of materials and machinery will avoid the dripline (extent of foliage cover) of any
native tree.
7.4 THREATENED SPECIES FINDS PROCEDURE
The threatened species finds procedure will be implemented whenever a threatened species is
unexpectedly found throughout construction and operation across Management Zones 1 and 2.
Any nests found in habitat features to be removed during construction will be inspected by an Ecologist to
determine whether fauna are using the nest, and whether relocation of the fauna and the nest to an
adjacent area is viable.
As a general principle, any native animals found with the construction area will be avoided. Fauna will only
be handled by a qualified ecologist or wildlife carer with relevant skills and experience (e.g. snake handling),
and only when absolutely necessary.
Should threatened fauna, or suspected threatened fauna, be encountered, the procedure outlined in Figure
7-6 will be followed. If capture is required by an Ecologist a procedure is provided below as guidance.
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Figure 7-6 Threatened species finds procedure.
Native flora or fauna
encountered. Is the flora or
fauna a threatened species?
Threatened flora or fauna
species confirmed.
Stop Work.
Notify the HSEQ Manager.
HSEQ Manager to arrange for ecologist
to conduct assessment of significance
of likely impact, develop management
options, and notify BCD/DPI/DEE as
required.
Is an impact likely to
occur?
Recommence works and
maintain regular
inspections.
Include species in subsequent
inductions, toolbox talks , and
updated EMS.
Consult with BCD, DPI
and DEE as appropriate.
Obtain approvals, licences or
permits as required.
Recommence works once advice
is sought and necessary
approvals, licences or permits
obtained.
No
Yes
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Animal relocation procedure (to be completed by Ecologist)
Step 1
Remove any threat to the animal that could cause or exacerbate an injury.
Step 2
Use appropriate equipment to capture the animal. This may include:
Frogs: disposable gloves, disinfectant on hands and equipment between animals, disposable
plastic bags (one per animal, one use only).
Mammals: gloves, cloth bags/cotton pillow slips, up-to-date Australian Bat Lyssavirus vaccinations.
Step 3
Contain the animal to minimise stress. Gently place the animal in a holding box specifically designed for
holding animals. Cotton pillowslips may be used to cover mammals, or mammals may be placed inside
them. Boxes will be placed in a quiet, safe, dark location (not in a vehicle unless temperature is constantly
monitored). Do not give the animal food or water.
Step 5
Call WIRES on 1300 556 686, who will provide advice on what to do until a trained WIRES rescuer can come
to take the animal away. If you cannot contact WIRES, contact Wellington Veterinary Hospital on 02 6845
2872.
Step 6
Release fauna into similar habitats, as near as possible to their capture location. Day-active fauna will be
released during the day of capture. Night-active fauna will be released at or after dusk. Arboreal (tree-
dwelling) fauna will be slowly released from their bag onto the trunk of a tree, with bats and gliders placed
on a tree with rough or peeling bark and hollows.
Step 7
Details of fauna captured and relocated will be recorded in a threatened species finds register (Appendix
C.2). Any injury or death of a threatened species will be reported to the HSEQ Manager.
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7.5 WEED AND PEST MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
Weeds and pests will be controlled on site throughout construction and operation across all management
zones. The Site Manager or HSEQ Manager will also initiate collaboration with adjoining landholders to
control animal pests and weeds that may traverse property boundaries. These initial communications will
inform collaborative pest and weed management measures during construction and operation.
7.5.1 Weed Management Procedure
Weeds in this BMP are defined as non-native flora species, and particularly refers to those listed in the plot
data in Appendix B. Fifty-three species of weed were recorded in the project area. None of these species
are listed on either the BS Act and/or are weeds of national significance. Other invasive weeds that were
recorded include
Lycium ferocissimum
(African Boxthorn), listed as having a prohibition on dealings in
Dubbo Regional LGA, and
Heliotropium
sp. (A Heliotrope), which was not identified to species level, but
could be Blue Heliotrope
Heliotropium amplexicaule
which may not be bought, sold, carried, or released to
the environment. Both are listed as priority weeds in the Central West Strategic Weed Management Plan.
African Boxthorn
Lycium ferocissimum
African Boxthorn is an erect perennial shrub growing up to 5 m high, with woody, thorny growth, white
flowers and orange-red berries. The effective, long-term control of this species generally requires the
integration of a number of techniques, including mechanical removal, cultivation, and herbicide
application. Control is more effective and economical if done when plants are young. Removal of roots is
more effective when the soil is moist. Foliar spray is the most commonly used control method, and basal
bark or cut stump treatments are appropriate in environmentally sensitive areas.
Blue Heliotrope
Heliotropium amplexicaule
Blue Heliotrope is a hairy, summer-growing, prostrate perennial herb, 15 – 30 cm high and 30 – 200 cm in
diameter. It has many hairy, branched stems radiating from a woody rootstock, a strong, slender taproot
that can be very woody, alternate dull green leaves that are soft and tapered at both ends, and bluish-
purple flowers with yellow centres. The effective control of this weed usually involves a combination of a
number of control options, including pasture management, grazing management, cultivation, biological
control, and chemical control.
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Work for the Project has the potential to spread weeds through the movements of heavy machinery and
light vehicles during construction, and the movements of light vehicles during operation.
Weeds will be controlled through:
An adaptive management approach whereby management actions will be adjusted to optimise the
groundcover growth addressing on-site observations as per the Groundcover Management Plan in
Appendix A.
For more intensive infestations of weeds, the use of selective herbicides may be warranted to
prevent seed set and promote weed control. The advice of an ecologist and agronomist will be
sought to advise on the control of weed infestations. 10% non-native groundcover is the target
requiring corrective action.
Any supplementary feeding of livestock will use treated or processed feed to prevent viable weed
seeds being introduced to the site.
A detailed weed management procedure is provided below.
Weed inspection
During construction, the HSEQ Manager will do the following weed inspections:
Survey weed distribution across the project site quarterly.
Survey weed abundance in exclusion zones quarterly.
Targeted weed inspections prior to clearing and grubbing in the affected area.
Survey weed distribution and abundance where a previous weed infestation has been
identified.
During operation, the HSEQ Manager will ensure the following occurs:
Survey weed distribution across the project site quarterly, timed to identify weeds before
they flower.
Survey abundance in exclusion zones quarterly.
Survey weed distribution and abundance particularly where a previous weed infestation has
been identified.
Infestations of invasive weeds will be mapped with GPS, including noting the species and degree of
infestation, and capturing an image for monitoring purposes. Data collected from inspections will be used
as a basis for implementing seasonal targeted weed control measures.
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Weed treatment
During construction, weed control will be based on data collected from survey and inspections of the
project site and of exclusion zones. Targeted weed control measures for any recorded weed outbreaks will
be implemented within a year of discovery. The aims of construction weed treatment include:
Apply weed treatments to all mapped invasive weed infestation areas.
Annual reduction in invasive weed distribution by at least 50% in mapped infestation areas
from previous year’s inspections.
During operation, weed control will be based on data collected from the quarterly inspections of the project
site and of exclusion zones. Targeted weed control measures for any recorded weed outbreaks will be
implemented within a year of discovery, with priority given to African Boxthorn and any listed priority
weeds. The aims of operational weed treatment include:
Annual reduction in invasive weed distribution by at least 50% in mapped infestation areas
from previous year’s inspections.
A general reduction in the abundance of weeds in exclusion zones during the operation
period as evidenced by quarterly inspections.
New invasive weeds detected in project area are controlled during operation.
African Boxthorn and listed priority weeds eradicated from project area within 3 years of
detection.
A general guide to weed control and management is presented above. More detailed information,
including herbicide types and application rates, can be sought from the Project Ecologist or from the
WeedWise website (http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/). Consultation with Local Land Services (LLS) will also be
undertaken to ensure a coordinated approach with other landholders in the area.
The introduction and spread of weeds via vehicles and plant will be controlled by the Vehicle Hygiene
Procedure provided in section 7.6.
Herbicide application record
Herbicide application will only be carried out by authorised personnel (i.e. ChemCert accreditation – AQF
3) in accordance with SafeWork requirements.
Herbicides will only be applied in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that product.
A Herbicide Application Record (Appendix C.3) will be completed and public notifications made in
accordance with relevant legislation, where herbicides are to be used in areas that could be accessed by
members of the public.
Only herbicides registered for use near water may be used near any waterways.
Follow-up inspection
The HSEQ Manager will ensure that a follow-up inspection is undertaken of identified weed infestation sites
to ensure treatment was successful.
Weed disposal
Where invasive weed areas are disturbed by construction activities, weeds and topsoil that may contain
weed propagules will be removed and disposed of appropriately.
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Where weeds cannot be effectively destroyed prior to topsoil stripping, weed contaminated topsoil will be
isolated and either encapsulated by deep burying, or disposed of at an approved offsite licensed facility as
directed by the HSEQ Manager.
Ongoing management & monitoring
Monitoring of weed infestations will occur as part of the routine environmental inspections throughout
construction and operation to determine effectiveness of management controls. The presence of any
weeds and the necessary management actions will be noted on the Environmental Inspection Checklist (to
be included in the CEMP).
7.5.2 Animal Pest Management Procedure
No animal pest species requiring specific control measures were recorded during site surveys. However,
some may be present at the site. Monitoring of animal pests and signs of their activity will occur as part of
routine inspections during construction, and operation. A suitably qualified person will traverse the site to
identify if vertebrate pests are present, including the following species as a minimum:
European Rabbit
European Hare
Red Fox
Feral Cat
The following data would be recorded and used to determine the need for pest animal control measures:
Number and location of any tracks, traces or sightings
Whether the level of activity is negligible, minimal, moderate or high.
If any are identified that are required to be controlled, the appropriate management actions listed at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/vertebrate-pests/pest-animals-in-nsw will be implemented, and
noted on the Environmental Inspection Checklist.
Pesticide application record
As with herbicide applications, pesticides will only be administered by authorised personnel with ChemCert
accreditation – AQF 3 and in accordance label instructions. A Pesticide Application Record (Appendix C.4)
will be completed and public notifications made in accordance with relevant legislation, where pesticides
are to be used in areas that could be accessed by members of the public. Only pesticides registered for use
near water may be used near any waterways.
7.6 VEHICLE HYGIENE PROCEDURE
7.6.1 Vehicle, plant & equipment movement
Vehicle hygiene procedures will be implemented for any vehicle that enters the development site during
construction and operation which is likely to come into contact with the natural ground or weeds. The
procedures include:
Inspection upon arrivals in laydown area.
Removal of dirt and/or plant matter from newly arrived vehicles at a designated washdown area
by trained site personnel.
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Washing and inspection prior to vehicles being given the all clear to enter indirect disturbance
areas.
Inspection and washing after leaving indirect disturbance areas and prior to leaving the site.
Inspections and washdowns will be recorded on a Vehicle Hygiene Register. An example is shown
in Appendix C.5.
Any water from the washdown area will be managed in accordance with the SWMP.
7.7 VEGETATION CONSTRAINT MANAGEMENT
7.7.1 Management areas
The exclusion zones (Management Zones 3 and 4) contain vegetation constraints which are outside the
approved disturbance areas (
Error! Reference source not found.
). This vegetation includes remnant native
Box-Gum Woodland, which is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW
Biodiversity
Conservation Act 2016
and the federal
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
These areas will be managed throughout construction and operation to protect them from any impacts
from the project.
The aim of vegetation constraint management is for the condition of this vegetation to be maintained or
improved during the lifetime of the project (baseline conditions in Appendix B).
The following targets have been established:
Maintain or improve the condition of vegetation in exclusion zones throughout construction
and operation of the project.
Quarterly surveys of weed abundance in exclusion zones, and use as basis for implementing
targeted weed control measures in each zone throughout construction and operation.
A general reduction in weed abundance in exclusion zones throughout the operational
period.
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Figure 7-7 Vegetation constraints in exclusion zones .
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7.7.2 Vegetation condition
In order to monitor changes in the vegetation condition of exclusion zones, the baseline vegetation
condition has been quantified using Biometric plots prior to construction commencing. Plots will be
conducted immediately following construction to determine an updated condition assessment at the
commencement of the operation phases. The exclusion zones will be included in the quarterly weed
monitoring during construction to manage weed ingress during the construction phase.
An ecologist will conduct Biometric assessments within Zones 3 and 4 every five years throughout
operation. If a noticeable decline in condition is recorded, this will trigger the need for an assessment to
determine the appropriate management response.
7.7.3 Management actions
Vegetation Constraints
Exclusion zones will be demarcated prior to clearing in accordance with the Vegetation Clearance
Procedure (Section 7.2.4), including a 40 m exclusion zone around riparian vegetation along Wuuluman
Creek, and at no closer than the dripline around terrestrial exclusion zones. These zones will be demarcated
using protective fencing to ensure that vegetation is not impacted accidentally, which may consist of star
pickets at 4 to 5 m intervals with a strand of plain wire and flagging tape. If stock are to be on site during
operation, then stock-proof exclusion fencing will be required. The location of exclusion areas will be
communicated to site staff (including equipment operators) through site inductions, toolbox talks and
targeted training prior to works taking place in the vicinity.
Indirect impacts on vegetation constraints will be reduced by:
Avoiding vehicle or plant access within exclusion zones.
Where night works cannot be avoided, work must not take place within 100 m of exclusion
zones.
Directing lights away from exclusion zones.
Noise-emitting plant will be oriented so that noise will be directed away from exclusion zones.
When not in use, vehicles and plant will not be left idling near exclusion zones, but will be
switched off whenever possible.
Weed management
There is a risk of weed encroachment during construction and operation from infested areas into exclusion
zones, and potentially from exclusion zones into disturbed areas following groundcover rehabilitation. To
manage these risks, weed management as described in Section 7.5.1 will include monitoring exclusion
zones and implementing weed control measures as required throughout construction and operation.
Weeds in the exclusion zones will be controlled in accordance with the Weed Management Procedure
(Section 7.5.1).
Response to decline in condition
If a quantitative assessment of vegetation constraint condition determines the need for an additional
management response, actions may include but are not limited to:
Erect permanent fencing to exclude stock and human/vehicle access.
Targeted weed or pest control.
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Groundcover rehabilitation and shrub/tree plantings for habitat enhancement.
Ecological burns in consultation with appropriate authorities to reduce fuel loads or control
over-dominant groundcover species, in accordance with relevant fire regime for the
vegetation community.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 45
8 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA, TRIGGERS AND RESPONSES
Table 8-1 below provides a summary of the key performance criteria and triggers for corrective actions. The actions to be implemented should the trigger arise are
also described. This combined with the monitoring described in Section 10.3 forms the Trigger, Action Response Plan (TARP) for the Project. The monitoring triggers
have been used to inform the triggers for protocols and procedures that require monitoring in Table 8-1.
Table 8-1 Summary of performance criteria, triggers for actions and responses for environmental management protocols.
Management
protocol
(applicable zones)
Performance criteria Risk of not achieving
performance criteria
Trigger for additional actions Action proposed
Ground
disturbance
protocol
(Zones 1 and 2)
Ground disturbance permit
process implemented prior
to construction.
Remediation activities
completed and conditions
of the permit met.
Final disturbed area
recorded.
Low – Standard construction
procedure that contractor
will be familiar with.
Permit not obtained.
Remediation activities not
completed.
Final disturbance area not
recorded.
Escalate matters above the HSEQ Manager
to ensure compliance with this BMP.
Vegetation
clearance
procedure
(Zones 1 and 2)
No more than 134.4 ha of
native vegetation will be
removed in total
(comprising 0.09 ha of PCT
266 moderate to good
condition, 134.04 ha of PCT
266 low condition, and 0.27
ha of PCT 277 low
condition).
Pre-clearance surveys
conducted.
No impacts on exclusion
zones.
Low – Clearing area will be
clearly demarcated prior to
clearing commencing.
Pre-clearance requirements
are detailed in this BMP.
Exclusion areas will be
clearly identified.
Pre-clearance surveys not
completed.
Clearing outside of
approved clearing areas.
Clearing of trees not
identified for removal.
Clearing works will not to commence until
required surveys completed.
If clearing occurs outside of marked clearing
areas or of marked trees, works will cease
immediately and advice sought from BCD as
to whether further assessment/approval
requirements are applicable.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 46
Management
protocol
(applicable zones)
Performance criteria Risk of not achieving
performance criteria
Trigger for additional actions Action proposed
Re-use of resources
protocol
(All Management
Zones)
Coarse Woody Debris, Rocks
and Topsoil (as described in
Section 7.3 removed during
construction are retained.
Retained resources are
relocated appropriately into
Management Zones 3 and 4.
Low – Standard construction
practice.
Resources stockpiled and not
relocated.
Resources to be relocated immediately
under the Guidance of an Ecologist to ensure
minimal damage to Zones 3 and 4.
Unplanned
Threatened Species
Finds Procedure
(Zones 1 and 2)
Threatened Species Finds
Procedure followed if
threatened species found.
No harm to threatened
species.
Moderate – Not all
personnel on site will have
the skill to be able to identify
threatened species.
Threatened species found to be
present (living or dead) that was
not previously identified.
Prepare and implement an education
program for personnel working on site to
increase awareness of threatened species
that may be encountered.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 47
Management
protocol
(applicable zones)
Performance criteria Risk of not achieving
performance criteria
Trigger for additional actions Action proposed
Weed and Pest
Management
Protocol
(All zones)
Annual reduction in invasive
weed distribution by at least
50% in mapped infestation
areas from previous year’s
inspections.
A general reduction in the
abundance of weeds in
exclusion zones during the
operation period as
evidenced by quarterly
inspections.
New invasive weeds
detected in project area are
controlled during operation.
African Boxthorn and listed
priority weeds eradicated
from project area within 3
years of detection.
Pest animal populations
maintained at a low level of
activity.
Low to moderate – Weed
abundance is highly
dependent on seasonal
conditions and the amount
of seed stored within the
seed bank.
Similarly, Pest animal
abundance is seasonally
variable and influenced by
external factors such as
management by adjacent
landholders.
However, weeds and pests
are manageable with
appropriate treatment
applied in a coordinated
approach by trained
personnel.
10% non-native ground cover.
Presence of priority weeds
detected during quarterly or
annual monitoring.
New weed species on site
detected during quarterly or
annual monitoring.
Moderate or High levels of
observed pest animal activity.
Eliminate priority weed species as soon as
practicable in accordance with
recommended control methods and timing.
Increase targeted weed or pest animal
control measures (Section 7.5).
Seek additional advice from Local Land
Services and adhere to recommendations.
Vehicle Hygiene
Procedure
Vehicle hygiene procedures
implemented for all
vehicles.
Low – Standard site
procedure.
Vehicle hygiene procedures not
being implemented.
To be raised with HSQE management on site.
Ensure it is included in site inductions,
toolbox talks etc and that staff responsible
are implementing the procedure.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 48
Management
protocol
(applicable zones)
Performance criteria Risk of not achieving
performance criteria
Trigger for additional actions Action proposed
Vegetation
Constraint
Management
Maintain or improve the
condition of vegetation in
exclusion zones throughout
construction and operation
of the project.
Quarterly surveys of weed
abundance in exclusion
zones and use as basis for
implementing targeted
weed control measures in
each zone throughout
construction and operation.
A general reduction in weed
abundance in exclusion
zones throughout the
operational period.
Moderate – Condition of
vegetation in general is
highly dependent on climatic
conditions and is variable
from year to year. Active
management measures can
be implemented to improve
the condition of vegetation
in exclusion zones with a
reasonable degree of
confidence of success.
Decline in exclusion area
condition as evidenced by
monitoring.
Weed abundance not decreasing
within exclusion zones.
Moderate to high pest animal
activity recorded in exclusion
zones.
Investigation into reason for decline by
suitable qualified person(s).
Recommendations following investigation to
be followed which may include but not be
limited to:
Erect permanent fencing to
exclude stock and
human/vehicle access.
Targeted weed or pest
control.
Groundcover rehabilitation
and shrub/tree plantings for
habitat enhancement.
Ecological burns in
consultation with
appropriate authorities to
reduce fuel loads or control
over-dominant groundcover
species, in accordance with
relevant fire regime for the
vegetation community.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 49
Groundcover
Management Plan
Rehabilitate all disturbed
areas not required for the
operation of the solar farm.
Revegetation of disturbed
areas and areas under
panels will have 70% ground
cover over 90% of disturbed
areas and areas under
panels within 12 months of
establishment and
maintained throughout
operation until contract
completion.
Failed vegetation patches
greater than 5 m2 will be
revegetated.
Ground cover will achieve
seed set across at least 80%
of area.
Native species will be used
for revegetation wherever
practicable in areas
identified as native
grassland as well as exotic
vegetation.
Failed vegetation patches
greater than 5 m2 will be
revegetated.
Scours greater than 50 mm
deep and 100 m long will be
revegetated.
Targeted weed control
measures will be
implemented if weed cover
exceeds 10% of
Moderate – Condition of
groundcover will be
dependent on climatic
conditions and will also be
affected by other
management measures such
as weed treatment.
Success of sowing and seed
set will also be dependent on
climatic conditions and other
variables.
Groundcover below 70% cover of
90% of disturbed areas.
Failed vegetation patches greater
than 5 m2.
Groundcover seed set below 80%
of area after 3 months.
Scours greater than 50
millimetres (mm) deep and 100 m
long.
Grassland weed cover greater
than 10%.
Presence of priority weeds.
Remove grazing stock.
Bare patches greater than 5 m2 will be
recultivated and revegetated.
Additional watering of seeded areas.
Weeds controlled where required.
Treat soil conditions such as compaction,
frequency of traffic movements, low
seedbank storage, lack of soil moisture and
nutrient imbalance.
Seek additional advice from an agronomist if
seed set is not occurring.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 50
Management
protocol
(applicable zones)
Performance criteria Risk of not achieving
performance criteria
Trigger for additional actions Action proposed
groundcover or if priority
weeds are detected.
Ground cover will achieve
seed set across at least 80%
of area.
Native species will be used
for revegetation.
Establish perennial native
pasture under solar panels
prior to completion of
construction.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 51
9 BIODIVERSITY MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES
A range of mitigation requirements and control measures are identified in the Modified Approval. Specific measures to address impacts to biodiversity are outlined
in Table 9-1. The measures have been listed to cover broad activities, and as such there may be some repetition of mitigation measures.
Table 9-1 Biodiversity management and mitigation measures.
Measure / Requirement Where addressed Work stage Responsibility Reference
BIODIVERSITY CREDITS for WELLINGTON SOLAR FARM
Within two years of commencing development under this consent, unless
otherwise agreed by the Secretary, the Applicant must retire biodiversity credits of
a number and class specified in Table 1 below to the satisfaction of BCD.
The retirement of these credits must be carried out in accordance with the NSW
Biodiversity Offsets Policy for Major Projects and can be achieved by:
a) acquiring or retiring ‘biodiversity credits’ within the meaning of the
Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016;
b) making payments into an offset fund that has been developed by the NSW
Government; or
c) providing supplementary measures.
Table 1: Ecosystem Credit Requirements
Vegetation Community PCT ID Credits
Required
White Box grassy woodland in the upper slopes subregion
of the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion
266 3
Note: Following repeal of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 of 25
August 2017, credits created under that Act are to be taken to be “biodiversity
credits” under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 by virtue of clause 22 of the
Biodiversity Conservation (Savings and Transitional) Regulation 2017.
Retirement of 3
biodiversity credits
from biodiversity
register.
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Schedule 3
CoC 10
BIODIVERSTIY CREDITS FOR WELLINGTON SUBSTATION
Within two years of commencing development under this consent, unless
otherwise agreed by the Secretary, the Applicant must retire biodiversity credits of
Retirement of 1
ecosystem credit and
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Schedule 3
CoC 10
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 52
Measure / Requirement Where addressed Work stage Responsibility Reference
a number and class specified in Table 1 and Table 2 below to the satisfaction of
BCD.
The retirement of these credits must be carried out in accordance with the NSW
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and can be achieved by:
(a) acquiring or retiring ‘biodiversity credits’ within the meaning of the BC Act;
(b) making payments into an offset fund that has been developed by the NSW
Government; or
(c) providing supplementary measures.
Table 1: Ecosystem Credit Requirements
PCT ID
Vegetation Community
Credits Required
under the TSC Act
266
White Box grassy woodland in the upp
er
slopes’
subregion of the NSW South Western Slopes
Bioregion 266 3 1
1
Table 2: Species Credit Requirements
Species Credit Species
Credits Required
under the BC Act
Pink-tailed Legless Lizard (
Apraisia parapulchella
)
2
Note: Following repeal of the TSC Act on 25 August 2017, credits created under that Act are taken to be
“biodiversity credits” under the BC Act by virtue of clause 22 of the Biodiversity Conservation (Savings and
Transitional) Regulation 2017.
2 species credits from
biodiversity register.
If the credit profile of the final infrastructure layout cannot be reduced to zero,
retirement of the biodiversity credits from the biodiversity register established
under Part 7A of the TSC Act would be undertaken.
Retirement of 3
biodiversity credits
from biodiversity
register.
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
MANAGEMENT PLANS
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 53
Measure / Requirement Where addressed Work stage Responsibility Reference
Prior to the commencement of construction, the Applicant must prepare a
Biodiversity Management Plan for the development in consultation with BCD, and
to the satisfaction of the Secretary. This plan must:
a) include a description of the measures that would be implemented for:
protecting vegetation and fauna habitat outside the approved
disturbance areas;
maximising the salvage of vegetative and soil resources within the
approved disturbance area for beneficial reuse in the enhancement or
the rehabilitation of the site; and
b) include a seasonally based program to monitor and report on the
effectiveness of these measures; and
c) include details of who would be responsible for monitoring, reviewing and
implementing the plan, and timeframes for completion of actions.
Following the Secretary’s approval, the Applicant must implement the Biodiversity
Management Plan.
Note: If the biodiversity credits are retired via a Biobanking Stewardship Agreement,
then the Biodiversity Management Plan does not need to include any of the matters
that are covered under the Biobanking Stewardship Agreement.
This report
Section 7.2.4
Section 5
Section 10.3
Section 8, Section
10.1
Pre-construction Lightsource BP Schedule 3
CoC 11
Preparation of a Flora and Fauna Management Plan (FFMP) that would incorporate
protocols for:
Protection of native vegetation to be retained
Best practice removal and disposal of vegetation
Staged removal of hollow-bearing trees and other habitat features such as
fallen logs with attendance by an ecologist
Weed management
Unexpected threatened species finds
Rehabilitation of disturbed areas
The FFMP would consider the potential to link and enhance remnant patches on the
site.
The FFMP would form part of the Wellington Solar Farm Construction
Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
This report
Section 7.1, Section
7.2, Section 7.4,
Section 7.5, Section
7.7, Appendix A
Pre-construction Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Weed, hygiene and pest management protocols will be prepared and implemented
as part of the Flora and Fauna Management Plan for the proposal.
Section 7.5 and 7.6 of
this report
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 54
Measure / Requirement Where addressed Work stage Responsibility Reference
Operation
A Rehabilitation Plan would be prepared to ensure the array site is returned to its
pre-solar farmland capability. The plan would be developed with reference to base
line soil testing and with input from an agronomist to ensure the site is left stabilised,
under a cover crop or other suitable ground cover. The plan would reference:
Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook (CSIRO, 2009).
Guidelines for Surveying Soil and Land Resources (CSIRO, 2008).
The land and soil capability assessment scheme: second approximation (OEH,
2012).
Rehabilitation Plan
(separate to this
report)
Pre-construction
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
A Groundcover Management Plan would be developed in consultation with an
agronomist, and taking account of soil survey results to ensure perennial grass cover
is established across the site as soon as practicable after construction and maintained
throughout the operation phase. The plan would cover:
Soil restoration and preparation requirements.
Species election.
Soil preparation.
Establishment techniques.
Maintenance requirements.
Perennial groundcover targets, indicators, condition monitoring, reporting
and evaluation arrangements – i.e. live grass cover would be maintained at
or above 70% at all times to protect soils, landscape function and water
quality. Any grazing stock would be removed from the site when cover falls
below this level. Grass cover would be monitored on a fortnightly basis using
an accepted methodology.
Contingency measures to respond to declining soil or groundcover
condition.
Identification of baseline conditions for rehabilitation following
decommissioning.
Appendix A of this
report
Pre-construction
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
A Groundcover Management Plan would be developed and implemented to ensure
an appropriate perennial ground cover is established and maintained beneath the
arrays during operation of the solar farm. This will require consideration of existing
groundcover and may require expert input and trials to achieve the objective.
Appendix A of this
report
Pre-construction
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 55
Measure / Requirement Where addressed Work stage Responsibility Reference
The Construction Environmental Management Plan will include measures to avoid
noise encroachment on adjacent habitats such as avoiding night works as much as
possible.
CEMP (separate to
this report)
Section 7.7
Pre-construction Lightsource BP Submissions Report
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
Hollow-bearing trees within the development site would not be cleared between
June and January, to avoid the breeding and core hibernation period for Corben’s
Long-eared Bat.
If clearing outside this period cannot be achieved, pre-clearing surveys would be
undertaken to ensure these species do not occur.
Section 7.2.6
Section 7.2.2
Construction Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Stockpiling materials and equipment and parking vehicles will be avoided within
the dripline (extent of foliage cover) of any native tree.
Section 5
Stockpile procedure
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Prior to the commencement of work, a physical vegetation clearing boundary at
the approved clearing limit is to be clearly demarcated and implemented. The
delineation of such a boundary may include the use of temporary fencing, flagging
tape, para-webbing or similar.
Detailed design
drawings
Section 7.1 and
Section 7.2
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
A riparian buffer zone of 40 m along Wuuluman Creek would be clearly delineated
prior to works commencing. Works would be avoided within the riparian buffer
zone.
Constraints mapping
Detailed design
drawings
Section 7.2.4
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Existing native riparian vegetation is retained to the greatest extent possible in an
undamaged and unaltered condition.
Detailed design
drawings
Section 2.2, Section 5,
Section 7.2
Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Works occurring around the Wuuluman Creek should be in accordance with the
DPI Fisheries Policy and Guideline document: Policies and Guidelines for Fish
Habitat Conservation and Management.
Section 5, SWMP Pre-construction
Construction
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 56
Measure / Requirement Where addressed Work stage Responsibility Reference
Where possible, landscape plantings will be comprised of local indigenous species
with the objective of increasing the diversity of the existing vegetation. Planting
locations would be designed to improve the connectivity between patches in the
landscape where consistent with landscaping outcomes.
Landscaping Plan
(separate to this
report)
Construction Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Carry out refuelling of plant and equipment, chemical storage and decanting off
site or at least 50m away from farm dams in impervious bunds.
Ensure that dry and wet spill kits are readily available.
SWMP
Section 5.1
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Avoid night works.
Direct lights away from vegetation.
Section 5.1
EMS
Section 7.7
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Awareness training during site inductions regarding enforcing site speed limits.
Site speed limits to be enforced.
EMS
Section 5.1
Pre-construction
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Submissions Report
Following any construction or upgrading on site, the Applicant must:
a) Restore the ground cover of the site as soon as practicable, but within 12
months of completing any construction or upgrades, using suitable species;
b) Restore and maintain the ground cover with appropriate perennial species;
c) Manage weeds within this ground cover.
Appendix A
Section 5.5
Construction
Operation
Lightsource BP Schedule 3
CoC 9
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 57
10 COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
10.1 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Lightsource BP Project Team’s organisational structure and overall roles and responsibilities are
outlined in the EMS.
The Environmental Management Team includes the following roles and responsibilities:
Table 10-1 Construction team roles and responsibilities (from the EMS).
Role Responsibility Authority
EPC Project Manager
Ensure resources are made
available to enable works to
comply with EMS and other
environmental management
requirements.
Ensure that all procedures are
followed adequately.
Ensure appropriate approvals and
licences are held.
Ensure all staff and contractors
are aware of environmental
compliance requirements and
environmental controls.
Responsible for reporting
pollution incidents.
Order Stop-work for an activity
that may cause material or
environmental harm.
Release of environmental hold
points, if required.
EPC Health Safety and Environment
and Quality Manager (HSEQ)
•
Maintaining all environmental
management documents.
•
Identifying where environmental
measures are not meeting the
targets and where improvements
can be achieved.
•
Monitoring and reporting
environmental compliance.
•
Reviewing Project environmental
documents.
•
Reporting of pollution incidents.
•
Recommend Stop-work for an
activity that may cause material
or environmental harm.
•
Release of environmental hold
points, if required.
EPC Site Manager
Responsible for the
implementation of
environmental management
plans.
Responsible for the induction of
staff and contractors.
Responsible for all aspects of the
worksite including the
coordination and management of
all staff and contractors.
Undertake routine environmental
site inspection.
Maintaining environmental
records.
Receiving plant, materials and
chemicals and ensuring all items
are appropriately stored.
Order Stop-work if any items in
the CEMP are in danger of
breach.
Approve and accept waste
disposal methods requested by
staff or contractors.
Approve minor changes to
environmental sub-plans,
including Erosion and Sediment
Control Plans (ESCP).
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 58
Role Responsibility Authority
Responsible for addressing
corrective actions arising from
Environmental Inspections.
All Lightsource BP staff:
LSBP Project Manager/Site
Superintendent
LSBP Steering Committee
LSBP Technical Team
Ensure contractors are working in
accordance with the
requirements of the EMS, as
required under the EPC contract.
Undertake site visits during
construction to monitor
compliance with EMS
requirements.
Report and raise any issues that
arise that may have an
environmental impact.
Report and raise the discovery of
any artefacts, Aboriginal relics or
places and cease work until the
matter has been addressed.
Report any issues that may have
the potential to cause material
or environmental harm.
Report any incidents or near-
misses that may impact on the
conditions set-out in this EMS.
Further details regarding specific responsibilities for the implementation of environmental controls are
detailed in the EMS.
10.2 TRAINING
All employees, contractors and utility staff working on site will undergo site induction training relating to
biodiversity issues. Targeted training in the form of toolbox talks or specific training will also be provided
to personnel with a key role in biodiversity management, including vegetation clearing which will include
information on the outcomes of pre-clearing surveys, constraints mapping, and digitally-captured clearance
boundaries (Section 7.2). Targeted training would address the requirements of the environmental
management measures (Section 5), legislative requirements (Section 2.1), and all conditions and
commitments relating to biodiversity (Section 2.3, Section 2.4)
.
Further details regarding staff induction
and training are outlined in the EMS.
10.3 MONITORING AND INSPECTION
Regular monitoring and inspections will be undertaken during construction and operation. The tables below
include monitoring and inspection requirements during construction (Table 10-2) and operation (Table
10-3), with the trigger and response columns contributing to the TARP for the project
Table 10-2 Monitoring and inspection requirements during construction and operation.
Requirement Timing Responsibility Trigger for
additional
actions
Response
proposed
Pre-clearing inspections including
checking for roosting/breeding
habitat, recording tree hollows,
marking habitat trees, demarcating
area to be cleared, and targeted bat
surveys between June and January,
and dam/waterway inspections.
Before vegetation
clearing
Ecologist
Pre-clearing
surveys not
carried out or
not in all areas
required
Supplementary
surveys undertaken
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 59
Requirement Timing Responsibility Trigger for
additional
actions
Response
proposed
Progressive monitoring of the
cumulative amount of vegetation
cleared (7.2.1), including inspecting
exclusion zones to confirm that they
have not been disturbed (7.2.4). Prior
to undertaking any vegetation
clearing, this value will be compared
to the total approved area to be
cleared.
Before and after
all vegetation
clearing
HSEQ
Manager
Clearing outside
approved
clearing limits
HSEQ Manager to
manage incident as
required by EMS
and relevant
legislation/
approvals
Monitoring of high disturbance
areas, groundcover, exclusion zones
and boundary fence lines, including:
Monthly during
construction
Lightsource BP
Damaged
exclusion
fencing or
signage
Storage or
infrastructure
underneath tree
driplines.
Exclusion fencing/
signage replaced
Details of resource re-use
placement
Recorded as it
occurs
Lightsource BP
Resources
stacked, not
distributed
Resources to be
moved under
direction of an
Ecologist
Inspection of waterways.
Monthly during
construction
Lightsource BP
Evidence of
siltation or
pollution
Rehabilitate
waterway and
review spill
procedures.
A review of any fauna killed or
injured on site. Threatened fauna
mortalities will be reported to BCD
and deaths of any birds from contact
with fences or solar panels will be
recorded.
Fauna relocations due to vegetation
clearing will be recorded.
Monthly during
construction
Lightsource BP
Presence of
injured or
deceased
fauna
Report where
necessary, record
details of incident.
Weed and pest survey and mapping
across project site (section 7.5).
Quarterly during
construction.
Annually during
operation
October for
weeds
August for
feral
animals.
Lightsource BP
10% non native
ground cover.
Presence of
priority weeds.
New weed
species on site.
Implement
targeted weed and
pest control
measures (Section
7.5).
Quantitative assessment of
condition of vegetation constraints
Immediately
following
completion of
Lightsource BP
Vegetation
condition
declining
Investigation into
reasons for decline
by suitable
qualified person(s)
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 60
Requirement Timing Responsibility Trigger for
additional
actions
Response
proposed
Biometric plots would be
conducted at the locations of
plots conducted during the
assessment process. Additional
plots would be established if
required.
construction
(spring).
Every five years
during operation
(spring).
and adherence to
recommendations.
Groundcover monitoring, including:
Groundcover would be
monitored using 1m x 1m
quadrats placed at 30 random
locations within Zone 2 and
within all planted areas.
Fortnightly for
first six months
after
establishment.
6 months after
establishment.
Annually
throughout
operation
(spring).
Lightsource BP
Groundcover
below 70%
cover of 90% of
disturbed areas.
Groundcover
seed set below
80% of area .
Scours greater
than 50
.millimetres
(mm) deep and
100 m long.
Grassland weed
cover greater
than 10%.
Presence of
priority weeds
Bare patches
greater than 5 m
2
will be recultivated
and revegetated.
Additional watering
of seeded areas.
Weeds controlled
where required.
Treat soil
conditions such as
compaction,
frequency of traffic
movements, low
seedbank storage,
lack of soil moisture
and nutrient
imbalance.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 61
Table 10-3 Monitoring and inspection requirements during operation.
Requirement Timing Responsibility Trigger for
additional actions
Action proposed
Monitoring of high disturbance areas,
groundcover, exclusion zones and
boundary fence lines, including:
Annually
throughout
operation
Lightsource BP
A review of any fauna killed or
injured on site. Threatened
fauna mortalities will be
reported to BCD and deaths of
any birds from contact with
fences or solar panels will be
recorded.
Annually
throughout
operation
Lightsource BP
Presence of
injured or dead
animals
Report where
necessary, record
details of incident
Areas of priority weeds across
project site will be mapped and
controlled on a seasonal basis
(section 7.5).
Before spring,
annually
throughout
operation
Lightsource BP
Presence of
priority weeds
Targeted weed
control measures
(Section 7.5.1)
A suitably qualified person will
walk over the site to identify if
vertebrate pests are present.
The following data would be
recorded and used to
determine the need for pest
animal control measures:
o
Number and location of any
tracks, traces or sightings
Whether the level of activity is
negligible, minimal, moderate
or high
Annually
throughout
operation
(August)
Lightsource BP
Moderate or High
levels of observed
feral animal
activity
Targeted pest
animal control
measures (Section
7.5.2)
Groundcover monitoring, including:
Grass cover would be
monitored using 1m x 1m
quadrats placed at 30 random
locations within Zone 2 and
within all planted areas.
Fortnightly for
first six months
after
establishment.
6 months after
establishment.
Annually during
operation
(spring).
Lightsource BP
Groundcover
below 70% of 90%
of disturbed
areas.
Groundcover
seed set below
80% of area.
Scours greater
than 50
millimetres (mm)
deep and 100 m
long.
Grassland weed
cover greater
than 10%.
Presence
of priority
weeds.
Bare patches
greater than 5 m
2
will be recultivated
and revegetated.
Additional watering
of seeded areas.
Weeds controlled
where required.
Treat soil
conditions such as
compaction,
frequency of traffic
movements, low
seedbank storage,
lack of soil moisture
and nutrient
imbalance.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 62
10.4 ADAPTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
This BMP would be reviewed every 5 years during operation following monitoring of the exclusion areas to
ensure that it is still relevant and appropriate for the management of the site and that required adaptations
have been included as required. Where additional actions have been implemented, they would be
incorporated as required.
10.5 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
All incidents will be managed in accordance with the incident response procedures contained in the EMS.
10.6 AUDITING
Audit requirements are detailed in the EMS.
10.7 REPORTING
Reporting requirements and responsibilities are outlined in the EMS.
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Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 63
11 REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT
11.1 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Continuous improvement of this BMP will be achieved by the ongoing evaluation of performance against
the BMP environmental policies, objectives and targets to identify opportunities for improvement.
The continuous improvement process will be designed to:
o
Identify areas of opportunity for improvement of environmental management and
performance.
o
Determine the cause or causes of non-conformances and deficiencies.
o
Develop and implement a plan of corrective and preventative action to address any
non-conformances and deficiencies.
o
Verify the effectiveness of the corrective and preventative actions.
o
Document any changes in procedures resulting from process improvement.
o
Make comparisons with objectives and targets.
Review procedures are contained in the EMS.
11.2 BMP UPDATE AND AMENDMENT
This BMP will need to be revised whenever the construction program, scope of work, or work methods
change, whenever the work methods are found to be ineffective, or if directed by the Proponent. This will
occur as needed and in accordance with the process outlined in the EMS.
A copy of the updated BMP and changes will be distributed to all relevant stakeholders in accordance with
the approved document control procedure identified in the EMS.
11.3 DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document control procedures are outlined in the EMS.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 A-I
APPENDIX A GROUNDCOVER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A.1 INTRODUCTION
This Groundcover Management Plan has been planned to address the requirements of the relevant
conditions and commitments listed in the project’s Modified Approval from the NSW Minister for Planning
and the final amended Statement of Commitments from the Wellington Solar Farm Submissions Report
1
(Table A-1 ). The Plan is relevant to both the construction and operation period of the project, with the
timing of actions summarised in Table 11-2 .
Table A-1 Relevant conditions and commitments.
Reference Condition/commitment requirement
Schedule 3
CoC 9
Following any construction or upgrading on site, the Applicant must:
a)
Restore the ground cover of the site as soon as practicable, but within 12
months of completing any construction or upgrades, using suitable species;
b)
Restore and maintain the ground cover with appropriate perennial species;
c)
Manage weeds within this ground cover.
Submissions report A Groundcover Management Plan would be developed in consultation with an
agronomist, and taking account of soil survey results to ensure perennial grass cover is
established across the site as soon as practicable after construction and maintained
throughout the operation phase. The plan would cover:
Soil restoration and preparation requirements.
Species selection.
Soil preparation.
Establishment techniques.
Maintenance requirements.
Perennial groundcover targets, indicators, condition monitoring, reporting and
evaluation arrangements – i.e. live grass cover would be maintained at or above
70% at all times to protect soils, landscape function and water quality. Any grazing
stock would be removed from the site when cover falls below this level. Grass
cover would be monitored on a fortnightly basis using an accepted methodology.
Contingency measures to respond to declining soil or groundcover condition.
Identification of baseline conditions for rehabilitation following
decommissioning.
Submissions report A Groundcover Management Plan would be developed and implemented to ensure an
appropriate perennial ground cover is established and maintained beneath the arrays
during operation of the solar farm. This will require consideration of existing
groundcover and may require expert input and trials to achieve the objective.
1
This includes BAR commitments. No additional BAR commitments were included in the Modification Report
2019.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 A-II
Table 11-2 Timing of groundcover management activities.
Construction Operation
MANAGEMENT AREAS Temporary disturbance Under panels
Exclusion zones
GROUNDCOVER ESTABLISHMENT Ripping N/A
Sowing N/A
Hydromulching/hydroseeding N/A
Fertiliser N/A
Drains and batters N/A
GROUNDCOVER MAINTENANCE Monitoring
Maintenance
Weed control
A.2 MANAGEMENT AREAS
Temporary disturbance areas
Areas temporarily disturbed for the Project will need to be rehabilitated and revegetated as soon as
practicable. Temporarily disturbed areas may include:
Grassland mowed for piling installation.
Batters for permanent tracks and temporary tracks.
Construction and decommissioning laydown areas.
Cable trenches.
The aim of the rehabilitation and revegetation is to stabilise disturbed areas and to return it to a condition
that is similar to its pre-disturbance state, meaning that native groundcover comprising vegetation plant
communities are returned to these locations. Refer to Appendix B for baseline conditions.
The following targets have been established:
Rehabilitate all disturbed areas not required for the operation of the solar farm.
Revegetation of disturbed areas will have 70% ground cover over 90% of disturbed areas
within 12 months of establishment and maintained throughout operation until contract
completion:
o
Failed vegetation patches greater than 5 m
2
will be revegetated.
o
Ground cover will achieve seed set across at least 80% of area.
o
Native species will be used for revegetation wherever practicable in areas identified
as native grassland as well as exotic vegetation.
Revegetation of disturbed areas will have 70% ground cover over 90% of disturbed areas
within 12 months of establishment or corrective actions would be implemented:
o
Failed vegetation patches greater than 5 m
2
will be revegetated.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 A-III
o
Scours greater than 50 mm deep and 100 m long will be revegetated.
o
Targeted weed control measures will be implemented if weed cover exceeds 10%
of groundcover or if priority weeds are detected.
o
Ground cover will achieve seed set across at least 80% of area.
o
Native species will be used for revegetation.
Areas under solar panels
Areas which will be under solar panels during operation of the Project will need to be rehabilitated and
revegetated as soon as practicable. The aim of the rehabilitation and revegetation of these areas is to
maintain and establish a perennial native pasture underneath the panels. Refer to Appendix B for baseline
conditions.
The following targets have been established:
Establish perennial native pasture under solar panels prior to completion of construction.
Revegetation of areas under solar panels will have 70% ground cover over 90% of disturbed areas
within 12 months of establishment and maintained throughout operation until contract
completion:
o
Failed vegetation patches greater than 5 m
2
will be revegetated.
o
Ground cover will achieve seed set across at least 80% of area.
o
Native species will be used for revegetation wherever practicable in areas identified
as native grassland as well as exotic vegetation.
Exclusion zones
The vegetation constraints in exclusion zones, which are mapped on Figure 1-1 will not be rehabilitated or
revegetated. However, there is a risk of weed encroachment from disturbed areas into the exclusion zones,
and potentially from exclusion zones into disturbed areas following groundcover rehabilitation,
throughout construction and into the operation period. To manage these risks, weed management as
described in Section 7.5.1 will include monitoring exclusion zones and implementing weed control
measures as required throughout construction and operation. Measures for maintaining the habitat quality
of exclusion zones will also be included in any operational management plans.
A.3 GROUNDCOVER ESTABLISHMENT
The following methods will be used, where necessary, in establishing or improving native perennial
groundcover in temporary disturbance areas and areas under the solar array. Not all methods will be used,
the condition of the area to be rehabilitated will determine which are required to reach the target
condition. Where groundcover is already at 70% over 90% of a disturbed area, revegetation works may not
be necessary. However, weed management strategies described in Section 7.5 may be required if exotic
weed populations are greater than 10%.
Due to climatic conditions (evaporation rates), native grassland establishment is best attempted over late
autumn, winter or early spring. Wet summers are also able to maintain established perennial pasture
growth in summer active species. Summer rainfall is less reliable than summer evaporation, and as such
revegetation is also less reliable. Rehabilitation and revegetation will therefore commence in late
summer/early autumn as temperatures decrease and evaporation rates fall.
Ripping and topsoiling
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 A-IV
Topsoil will be replaced on all areas from where it has been removed. Prior to the application of topsoil,
compacted areas will be tined or ripped to a depth of 150 mm to loosen the surface. Areas that are not
compacted will not be ripped in order to reduce soil disturbance.
Over the surfaces, at least 30 cm of topsoil will be placed. The topsoil must be free of rocks and sticks
greater than 10 mm in diameter or 500 mm in length. If the surface sets hard after rain, harrow the topsoil
prior to sowing seed.
Spray any undesirable grass/weed growth on topsoil stockpiles with a knockdown herbicide before
spreading topsoil. More than one application of herbicide may be required. Apply the last application of
herbicide not less than 4 weeks before spreading the topsoil or as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Broadcast sowing
Undertake sowing using either:
a)
A tractor drawn seed drill to place seed at a depth of 5 mm or less; or
b)
A spreader followed immediately by a single pass with an unweighted diamond harrow.
c)
By hand, where machinery would be a hindrance.
Where safe to do so, tractor passes with the seed drill or harrow will follow the finished surface contours.
Distribute seed and fertiliser evenly over the areas to be sown at the rates specified below. Apply fertiliser
concurrently with the seeding operation.
Calibrate the drill and monitor the seed and fertiliser application rates to ensure an even distribution over
the areas sown, in accordance with the rates nominated. Maintain records of measurements and
calculations to determine actual distribution rates for areas treated.
Dry sowing native species on small areas where machinery would be a hindrance can be achieved by mixing
seed to sand at a ratio of 1:10 and spreading across the area by hand.
In areas with an existing native-dominated groundcover, the ground surface will not be disturbed before
sowing unless deemed necessary by an agronomist.
Hydromulching and hydroseeding
Carry out hydromulching / hydroseeding within 5 – 10 days of completed soil preparation or, if delayed by
the weather conditions, as soon as conditions permit.
Continuously agitate the slurry of seed, fertiliser, binder (60 kg/ha Guar gum), mulch, and water (35
kilolitres (kL)/ha) to maintain a uniform consistency during application. Apply the sprayed slurry uniformly
over the whole surface, ensuring that all surfaces are sprayed from two directions to ensure complete
coverage. Within 48 hours of application, the sprayed hydromulch layer must have a minimum thickness
at any location of 5 mm when using sugar cane mulch, or 2 mm when using wood fibre or shredded paper.
Where straw (5 tonnes (t)/ha) is used for mulch, apply the straw mulch uniformly using a purpose-made
blower unit. Incorporate the emulsion (bitumen) as a spray into the air stream of the mulch blower or apply
it in a separate operation within 12 hours from the application of straw mulch. Within 48 hours of
application, the straw mulch layer must have a minimum thickness at any location of 25 mm.
Do not apply hydroseeding/hydromulching and straw mulching if:
Winds exceed 15 km/hr.
Temperatures exceed 37
o
C.
The surface is water-logged.
During rain periods or when rain appears imminent.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 A-V
Native grass sowing
A mixture of native pasture species will be used to minimise the risk of exotic weeds encroaching into
exclusion zones. Only locally indigenous species (Appendix B) or those which are likely to occur in the PCTs
identified in the project area will be used. Care will be taken to ensure sufficient plant densities. Component
groundcover species from either PCT 266 or PCT 277 as appropriate will be used for any direct seeding of
bare ground triggering corrective action targets. Potential native species for seeding and indicative seeding
rate are listed in Table A-1. Exact species and seeding rates for this Project will be determined in
consultation with the district agronomist and landholder to determine what is most appropriate for the
property.
Table A-3 Suggested native pasture species and rates for rehabilitation.
Plant type Indicative seeding rate (kg/ha)
Wallaby Grass
Rytidosperma
spp. 2
Kangaroo Grass
Themeda triandra
5
Spear Grass
Austrostipa
spp. 2
Red Grass
Bothriochloa macra
15
Queensland Bluegrass
Dichanthium sericeum
15
Sowing and fertiliser rate
Where necessary, apply pelletised poultry manure to be applied at a rate of around 250 kg/ha.
Alternatively, apply Granulock® S (or similar: 16% nitrogen, 16.7% phosphorous, 12% sulphur) at around
150 kg/ha. Consult with the district agronomist and landowner to determine pasture type and fertiliser
rates suitable for each site.
Open drains and batters steeper than 2:1
Lay the runs of the organic fibre mesh (jute mesh) along the direction of water flow or down the steep
batter. In drains, slot the upstream end of the mesh into a trench 150 mm wide by 150 mm deep and pin
the mesh to the base of the trench at 200 mm centres. Backfill the trench with soil and compact by foot.
Lay the mesh taut and even over the soil surface without any air pockets, but do not stretch it. Overlap
adjacent runs of mesh by 100 mm with the higher run overlapping the lower.
Pin the mesh along the sides of each run at 500 mm centres and along the middle of each run at 1 m
centres. End overlaps must be 150 mm wide with the higher end overlapping the start of the lower and
pinned at 200 mm centres.
Hydroseed or hand seed areas prior to jute matting. Spray a slow-setting anionic bitumen emulsion over
the meshed surface at a rate of 0.8 to 1.0 litres (L) of undiluted residual bitumen emulsion per square
metre.
A.4 GROUNDCOVER MAINTENANCE
Monitoring
Groundcover will be monitored on a fortnightly basis for the first six months after establishment, every
6
months after establishment and annually during operation. Ground cover will be monitored
using 1m x 1m
quadrats placed within all treated locations to ensure cover does not fall below 70% and at 30 random
locations within Zone 2 where no treatment has occurred. Any grazing stock would be removed from the
affected area if cover falls below threshold levels and additional planting undertaken if there is no response
within the following monitoring events. Including:
Bare patches greater than 5 m
2
will be recultivated and revegetated
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 A-VI
Additional watering of seeded areas
Weeds controlled where required
Treat soil conditions such as compaction, frequency of traffic movements, low seedbank
storage, lack of soil moisture and nutrient imbalance
Maintenance
All revegetated areas will be maintained for 6 months after all sowing is complete throughout operation
until contract completion. Lightsource BP will direct where and when to water areas, by means of a fine
spray, which causes minimal disturbance to seeded areas.
Dead vegetation will be cleared from areas showing poor growth or damage and all lost topsoil replaced.
The area will then be recultivated and reseeded. Weeds will be controlled where required with herbicide
or hand removal (section 7.5).
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 B-I
APPENDIX B BASELINE PLOT DATA FROM BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT
B.1 BIOMETRIC PLOT RESULTS
Numbers indicate percentage cover of species in each 20 x 20 m Biometric Plot. Plots in bold were located in or near exclusion zones), and provide baseline vegetation
conditions for managing vegetation constraints in these areas. The location of each plot is shown in Appendix B.2 below.
Table B-3 Flora plot data
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
WSF1
WSF2
WS
F3
WSF4 WSF5 WSF6
WSF7
WSF8
WSF9
WSF10
WSF11
WSF12
WSF13
WSF14
WSF15
Trees
Brachychiton populneus
Kurrajong
40
5
Callitris glaucophylla
White Cypress Pine
20
Eucalyptus albens
White Box
30
5
30
Eucalyptus conic
a
Fuzzy Box
20
Eucalyptus melliodora
Yellow Box
20
Eucalyptus sideroxylon
Mugga Ironbark
50
10
Shrubs
*Lycium ferocissimum
African Boxthorn
1
1
1
Atriplex semibaccata
Creeping Salt
bush
1
1
Einadia nutans
Climbing Saltbush
1
2
2
2
Maireana microcarpa
1
Sclerolaena muricata
Black Roly
-
poly
1
Forbs
*Acetosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel
1 1
*Alternanthera pungens Khaki Weed
1 1 1
*Arctotheca calendula Capeweed
10 2
*Brassica sp. Wild Mustard
1 2 2
*Capsella bursa
-
pastoris
Shepard's Purse
1 1
*Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle
1 10 10 2 2 5 5 2 1 2 5
*Centaurea calcitrapa Star Thistle
1 2 10
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 B-II
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
WSF1
WSF2
WS
F3
WSF4 WSF5 WSF6
WSF7
WSF8
WSF9
WSF10
WSF11
WSF12
WSF13
WSF14
WSF15
*Centaurea solstitialis St Barnaby's Thistle
1 5 15 1 40 1 1
*Cerastium vulgare
Mous
e
-
ear
Chickweed
1 5 1
*Chenopodium
multifidum
Scented Goosefoot
1
*Chondrilla juncea
Skeleton Weed
1
1
1
2
1
1
*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle
1 1 1 1 5
*Con
yza sp.
Fleabane
1
2
*Cucumis myriocarpus
Paddy Melon
1
1
*Erodium spp.
Crowfoot
1
1
*Heliotropium spp.
A Heliotrope
5
*Hypochaeris
radicata
Catsear
1
1
1
2
2
5
1
1
1
*Lepidium bonariense
Argentine
Peppercress
1 1 2
1 1
*Lepidium sp.
A Peppercress
1
2
2
*Malva parviflora
Small
-
flowered
Mallow
10 1 1 5
1 1 1 1 2
*Malva sp.
Mallow
5
*Marrubium vulgare
Horehound
2
1
1
5
2
*Medicago polymorpha
Burr Medic
20
5
2
*Medicago sativa
Lucerne
5
50
2
*Petrorhagia nanteuilii Proliferous Pink
2 1
*Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongues
5 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
*Polygonum aviculare Wireweed
2 2 2 2 2 1
*Salvia verbenaca Vervain
1 2 1 10 2 2
*Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne
1
*Silybum marianum
Variegated Thistle
1
1
1
10
1
2
1
2
*Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle
1 5 2
*Spergularia rubra Sandspurry
1
*Stellaria media Common Chickweed
1
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 B-III
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
WSF1
WSF2
WS
F3
WSF4 WSF5 WSF6
WSF7
WSF8
WSF9
WSF10
WSF11
WSF12
WSF13
WSF14
WSF15
*Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
1
*Tolpis barbata Yellow Hawkweed
1 1
*Tribulus terrestris Cat-head
1 1
*Trifolium arvense Hare’s-foot clover
*Trifolium campestre
Hop Clover
1
5
20
10
1
10
10
1
*Trifolium glomeratum
Clustered Clover
15
5
1
*Trifolium repens
White
Clover
10
*Trifolium
subterraneum
Subterranean Clover
2 2 5 2 10
5 1
*Veronica spp.
2
*Xanthium spinosum
Bathurst Burr
1
1
2
1
Acaena
novae
-
zelandiae
Bidgee
-
widgee
2
Boerhavia dominii
Tarvine
1
1
1
Calotis lappulacea
Yellow Burr
-
daisy
1
1
5
1
1
Chrysocephalum
apiculatum
Common Everlasting
1
Convolvulus erubescens
Pink Bindweed
1
Cotula australis
Com
mon Cotula
1
Crassula sieberiana
Australian Stonecrop
1
Cymbonotus
lawsonianus
Bear's Ear
1 1
Daucus glochidiatus
Native Carrot
1
1
Desmodium varians
Slender Tick
-
t
refoil
1
Dichondra repens
Kidney Weed
10
1
Dysphania pumilio
Small Crumbweed
1
Euchiton involucratus
Star Cudweed
1
1
Geranium potentilloides
1
Glycine clandestina
Twining Glycine
1
Glycine tabacina
Variable Glycine
2
Haloragis
heterophylla
Variable Raspwort
1
Hydrocotyle laxiflora
Stinking Pennywort
2
2
2
1
Opercularia hispida
Hairy Stinkweed
1
Oxalis perennans
Oxalis
1
2
1
1
2
5
2
Oxalis radicosa
5
1
5
2
2
2
2
5
Plantago cunninghamii
Sago
-
weed
1
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 B-IV
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
WSF1
WSF2
WS
F3
WSF4 WSF5 WSF6
WSF7
WSF8
WSF9
WSF10
WSF11
WSF12
WSF13
WSF14
WSF15
Rumex brownii
Sw
amp Dock
2
1
1
Senna barclayana
Smooth Senna
1
1
5
1
1
Sida corrugata
Corrugated Sida
2
2
1
Veronica plebeia
Trailing Speedwell
1
Vittadinia cuneata
Fuzzweed
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
Wahlenbergia
communis
Tufted Bluebell
1 1 2
Wahlenbergia luteola
Bluebell
1
1
1
1
Wahlenbergia stricta
Tall Bluebell
1
1
1
1
Zaleya galericulata
Hogweed
1
Grass
*Bromus catharticus
Prairie Grass
10
2
1
20
40
*Bromus
diandrus
Great Brome
1
*Bromus hordeaceus
Soft Brome
20
1
*Bromus sp.
Brome
20
5
*Digitaria sanguinalis
Crab Grass
2
*Echinochloa crus
-
galli
Barnyard Grass
1
*Eragrostis
curvula
African Lovegrass
1
*Festuca spp.
20
*Lolium perenne
Perennial Ryegrass
5
1
2
30
2
10
5
10
2
5
*Phalaris aquatica
Phalaris
2
10
Aristida behriana
Bunch Wiregrass
1
Austrostipa aristiglumis
Plains Grass
1
Austrostipa setacea
Corkscrew Grass
1
1
10
Austrostipa verticillata
Slender Bamboo
Grass
5
Austrostipa sp.
Spear Grass
1
10
2
2
5
10
Bothriochloa macra
Red Grass
1
10
5
40
1
1
20
20
5
20
30
2
Chloris truncata
Windmill Grass
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
Cynodon dactylon
Couch
1
5
Dichanthium sericeum
Queensland Bluegrass
2
1
Digitaria brownii
Cotton Panic Grass
1
1
2
30
2
2
2
5
Digitaria divaricatissima
Umbrella Grass
1
2
5
Elymus scaber
Common Wheatgrass
1
2
Enneapogon nigricans
Nineawn Gras
s
1
1
5
1
2
Enneapogon spp.
Bottlewashers
15
Enteropogon ramosus
Curly Windmill Grass
20
2
1
Eragrostis brownii
Brown's Lovegrass
1
1
1
1
2
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 B-V
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
WSF1
WSF2
WS
F3
WSF4 WSF5 WSF6
WSF7
WSF8
WSF9
WSF10
WSF11
WSF12
WSF13
WSF14
WSF15
Eriochloa
pseudoacrotricha
Early Spring Grass
5
Paspalidium
constrictum
Knottybutt Grass
1
Paspalidium distans
1
Panicum effusum
Hairy Panic
1
1
Rytidosperma
caespitosum
Ringed Wallaby Grass
2 1
2
Sporobolus creber
Slender Rat's Tail
Grass
8
1
Graminoids
Juncus sp.
Rush
Ferns
Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo
* = exotic.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 B-I
B.2 LOCATION OF BASELINE BIOMETRIC PLOTS
Map source: Biodiversity Assessment Report (NGH 2017)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
266
277
266
277
277
266
266
266
266
266
266
277
266
266
266
277
266
277
277
WSFP9
WSFP8
WSFP7
WSFP6
WSFP5
WSFP4
WSFP3
WSFP2
WSFP1
WSFP14
WSFP13
WSFP11
WSFP12
WSFP10
G
O
O
L
M
A
R
O
A
D
B
E
L
A
V
I
S
T
A
L
A
N
E
CO
B
B
O
R
A
R
O
A
D
T
W
E
L
V
E
M
I
L
E
R
O
A
D
P
I
N
D
A
R
I
G
R
O
V
E
W
U
U
L
U
M
A
N
C
R
E
E
K
Project boundary
)
Biometric plot
Proposed infrastructure
Vegetation, PCT, Condition
Exotic vegetation
Planted local native vegetation, Low
Planted non-local native vegetation,
Moderate to good
Planted local native vegetation,
Moderate to good
Planted Yellow Box woodland, 266,
Moderate to good
Blakely's Red Gum - Yellow Box grassy
tall woodland derived grassland, 277,
Low
Blakely's Red Gum - Yellow Box grassy
tall woodland, 277, Low
Blakely's Red Gum - Yellow Box grassy
tall woodland, 277, Moderate to good
White Box grassy woodland derived
grassland, 266, Low
White Box grassy woodland derived
grassland, 266, Moderate to good
White Box grassy woodland - planted,
266, Moderate to good
White Box grassy woodland, 266, Low
White Box grassy woodland, 266,
Moderate to good
a Substation
Local road
Existing transmission lines
Farm dam / other water body
Minor drainage feature
Drainage line
Railway
Cadastre
1:13000
www.nghenvironm ental.com.au
0 200 400100 m
A3 @
Ref: SW121 v20171106
Author: SP Date: 13/11/2017
°
Notes:
- Base map © Esri and its data suppliers.
- Base layers from LPI and Geoscience Aust, 2017
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 C-I
APPENDIX C SAMPLE REGISTERS
C.1 SAMPLE GROUND DISTURBANCE PERMIT FORM
Project: Wellington Solar Farm Project No:
Requested By:
Habitat Clearing Start Date:
Expected Completion Date:
HABITAT CLEARING LOCATIONS – ATTACH DRAWINGS / SKETCHES IF NECESSARY
Location Comments
This section to be completed by Ecologist and HSEQ Manager for clearing of trees, logs, rocky features, and other
habitat features, with reference to constraints mapping.
Has the limit of clearing been clearly delineated? Yes No
All trees / vegetation / habitat to be retained identified and exclusion zones fenced
off?
Yes No
State how identified:
Have habitat trees been identified and appropriately marked? Yes No N/A
State how identified:
Are specific targeted surveys required? Yes No
State how survey was completed, including results:
Is there a risk of weed infestation or spread? Yes No
Are any animals present? (If
Yes
, relocation required) Yes No
Are any active nests/burrows present? (If
Yes
, relocation required) Yes No
If soil disturbance is to occur, has an ERSED Plan been created, and have these
controls been installed?
Yes No
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 C-II
APPROVALS
Inspection completed by Ecologist (if required):
Ecologist Signature Required
Date:
Approval by HSEQ Manager:
HSEQ Manager Signature Required
Date:
* Stockpiles must not be placed within the dripline (extent of foliage cover) of any native tree.
SIGN-OFF (ONCE WORKS COMPLETED)
Have the conditions of the permit been met?
HSEQ Manager Signature Required
Date:
Figure C-1 Sample ground disturbance permit form.
Have relevant workers been given toolbox talks on limit of clearing, fauna handling
procedures and any other SHE Controls?
Yes No
Can habitat features be re-used for habitat enhancement? Yes No
Can the habitat feature be re-used immediately? Yes No
If not re-used immediately, where will it be stockpiled*?
Comments:
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 C-III
C.2 SAMPLE THREATENED SPECIES REGISTER
Table C-1 Sample Threatened Species Register.
Date Species
Location and time
captured
Location and time
released
Behaviour and condition
on release
Details of any
injuries/ death
Contact details of vet/wildlife handler if
transferred to their care
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 C-IV
C.3 SAMPLE HERBICIDE APPLICATION RECORD
Figure C-2 Sample herbicide application record sheet.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 C-V
C.4 SAMPLE PESTICIDE APPLICATION RECORD
Figure C-3 Sample pesticide application record sheet.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 C-VI
C.5 SAMPLE VEHICLE HYGIENE REGISTER
Table C-2 Sample Vehicle hygiene register.
Date Time in Vehicle type Destination Driver name
Driver contact
no.
Driver
registration
Entrance
wash
(Y/N)
Exit
wash
(Y/N)
Time
out
Inspection
staff
initials
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 D-I
APPENDIX D AGENCY INPUT ON BMP
D.1 OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE (NOW BCD) COMMENTS
ON DRAFT
Email chain confirming OEH consultation.
Wynn <Samantha.Wynn@environment.nsw.gov.au>
Yesterday, 2:57 PM Brooke Marshall; Jess Murphy; Sarah Hillis; David Geering
<David.Geering@environment.nsw.gov.au>
Inbox
Hi Brooke
All fine at our end. I have just added one addition in red for additional clarity. Again – if you need any
further assistance please give us a call.
Regards
Sam
Samantha Wynn
Senior Team Leader - Planning, North West
Conservation and Regional Delivery
Office of Environment and Heritage
48-52 Wingewarra Street (PO Box 2111) Dubbo NSW 2830
T: 02 6883 5365 M: 0459 888 603
W: www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Brooke Marshall
Hi Sam, are you happy with this summary? please feel free to amend or add anything additional
thanks, Brooke
Notes from OEH meeting 06 03 2019: to be addressed in the Construction BMP
Attendees David Geering, Sam Wynn (OEH), Jess Murphy, Sarah Hilis, Brooke Marshall (NGH)
High level discussion of working draft.
Make sure its stated up front (section 1) this is BMP that the scope is construction only
Map set that includes all relevant information will be handy. Ie hollows, PCTs, exotic, constraints
etc.
Regarding the conditions of consent, make clear in sections 2.3 and 2.4 what will be covered in
this BMP and what will be required to carry over into operational requirements of the BMP (or
be addressed in other plans)
How will exotic zones be managed distinct from native dominated zones – particularly relevant
to ground cover establishment and maintenance and weed control
How will the constraint areas be managed? ie weed control during operation. Life of Project is
long and could see degradation through weed encroachment. Weed seed bank could come back.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 D-II
As the requirement of the plan is to manage / protect native vegetation, the scope should
include these no go areas and this should extend from construction into operation
No superb parrot breeding habitat is relevant to this site.
Restrict clearing footprint to areas allowed in the BAR otherwise the credit requirement will be
affected.
Pest control really for operation and detail provided in draft does not seem appropriate to this
site. See particularly fencing. Ensure context section on pest animals and weeds is added.
Ensure protocols are clear action statements and adhere to ‘SMART’ principles, not motherhood
statements.
Good to see that Vehicle hygiene protocol is included
Protocols in section 9 [now section 6] need to be specific to construction (if that is the scope of
this plan) and make clear how they may need to carry over into operation where relevant.
A Revised BMP for operation will be required prior to operations so ensure enough time is
allowed for agency consultation here too.
Species list for exotic areas under panels – question for agronomist. Ongoing threat of
encroachment on native areas needs to be monitored as protecting native vegetation is the
commitment (in construction and operation).
Don’t sow exotics in the native dominated areas.
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 D-III
D.2 OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE (NOW BCD) COMMENTS
ON REVISED REPORT
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 D-VI
D.3 BCD COMMENTS ON REVISED REPORT
Biodiversity Management Plan
Wellington Solar Farm BMP Final V3.3 E-I
APPENDIX E AGENCY APPROVAL OF BMP
