Terrestrial Ecology and Impact Assessment - CopperString Project EIS and SEIS.

Prepared for RLMS and CopperString Pty Ltd (ongoing).

BAAM (in collaboration with 3d environmental) undertook a technical assessment of the terrestrial ecological values associated with development of the proposed CopperString Project, located in northern Queensland, and a subsequent assessment of potential ecological impacts from proposed activities and associated management measures. The report brings together relevant existing information regarding the terrestrial ecology of the study area and surrounds, and provides a foundation for project planning to achieve ecological sustainability.

The study area for the assessment comprises over 1,000km of potential transmission line easements between Woodstock (south of Townsville) and Mt Isa, involving six bioregions. To summarise current terrestrial ecological values and inform subsequent ground surveys and impact assessment, a desktop exercise was undertaken for which a number of relevant and publicly available data sources were accessed and reviewed. Where available, unpublished locality data for significant species were also acquired and reviewed to assist in determining potential species’ distributions and habitat preferences within the study area. A targeted field survey approach was then adopted that focused on the verification of values that would represent the most significant constraints to the project, including significant vegetation and ecological communities, important habitat for significant species, and habitat considered of relatively high value to fauna, including riparian vegetation and other recognised wildlife corridors.

BAAM is currently involved with the preparation of a follow-up report that documents assessments undertaken as part of the supplementary EIS for the Project. In particular, this involved targeted surveys and project-scale habitat mapping for relevant matters of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act, and proposed measures of avoidance, mitigation and offsetting to ensure residual impacts are insignificant in the long term.

Terrestrial Flora Baseline Assessment and Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment – Diamantina Power Station, Mount Isa.

Prepared for ELP & Muddy Boots. November 2010.

This report documented an independent baseline assessment of the terrestrial ecological values and impact assessment of a proposed power station development. The ecological values assessed included vegetation communities and flora and fauna species present on the subject site, including significance status under relevant legislation species, and a habitat assessment for significant fauna species.

Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Assessment Report – Emu Swamp Dam EIS, Stanthorpe Shire. 

Report prepared for Stanthorpe Shire Council. November 2007.  The purpose of this consultancy was to provide an independent and comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the area covered by the proposed Emu Swamp dam and associated pipeline and road infrastructure, located on the Severn River approximately southwest of Stanthorpe, in order to inform the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment. 

Specific tasks included:

• comprehensive summer and targeted autumn surveys and a detailed report of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna on or that may utilise the study area, including species lists and significance status;
• an evaluation of, and comment on, the presence or absence of any at-risk, migratory or otherwise significant species of terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the area and the implications of such for the proposed development;
• an evaluation of, and comment on, significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors; and
• identification of potential impacts of the proposed dam, pipeline and road realignment on significant terrestrial vertebrate fauna species and associated habitat, and recommendations for impact mitigation and management.

Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment – Wyaralong Dam and Offstream Storage Project. 

Report prepared for Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd. November 2007. BAAM Pty Ltd were commissioned to assess the terrestrial fauna within and surrounding the proposed Wyaralong Dam site located between Boonah and Beaudesert.  The purpose of the assessment was to provide a description of the terrestrial fauna (including riparian fauna) in and near the area of inundation, including:

• broad distribution patterns in relation to vegetation type and topography;
• species diversity of all vertebrate groups and comment upon invertebrate species of conservation, economic, cultural or social significance;
• an estimate of abundance of key species;
• species conservation significance, including discussion of range, habitat, breeding, recruitment, feeding and movement requirements and current level of protection;
• feral or exotic animals; and
• site data compatible with EPA WildNet databases. The study area is focused around a 40km stretch of creekline, areas upstream and downstream of this stretch, and the proposed inundation area. 

Ecological Assessment - Braemar 4 Power Station.

Prepared for ERM Power.  June 2010. Report The purpose of this report was to provide an independent assessment of the ecological terrestrial flora and fauna values and associated habitat at the site of the proposed Braemar 4 Power Station.  Ecological statutory constraints were identified and the associated Impacts were noted.  A Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) was prepared to be lodged with the DERM to correct the existing remnant vegetation mapping for the study area.

Flora and Fauna Assessment – Proposed Springwood Connection Road (Wembley Road), Berrinba.

Prepared for the QLD Department of Main Roads.  February 2007.  The purpose of the report was to provide an independent assessment of the flora, terrestrial vertebrate fauna, aquatic fauna and associated habitat values of the site of the proposed Springwood Connection Road (Wembley Road) at Berrinba on the southern boundary of Brisbane City.

The specific aims of the assessment were to provide:

• a survey and report of the flora and terrestrial vertebrate fauna present on or that may be present in the study area, including species lists and associated conservation significance under Commonwealth, State and Local Government legislation;
• a survey and report of the aquatic species present within Scrubby Creek at the time of survey;
• an evaluation and comment on the presence or absence of any at-risk, migratory or otherwise significant species of the study area and the implications of their presence for the proposed works;
• an assessment and comment on any significant habitats within the study area, including their contribution to wildlife movement corridors; and
• identification of potential impacts of the proposed development on significant flora and/or fauna species and associated habitat, and recommendations for impact mitigation and management, with particular reference to relevant BCC Codes and Planning Scheme Policies, and State and Federal Legislation.

Terrestrial Flora, Terrestrial Fauna and Aquatic Fauna Assessment - Ella Bay Integrated Development, Innisfail.

Report prepared for John Holland Services Pty Ltd, February 2007.  Ella Bay is situated east of Innisfail in north Queensland and is surrounded by Ella Bay National Park.  BAAM was engaged by John Holland Services to undertake a variety of environmental studies on the study site, including detailed floristic and vegetation surveys, terrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys and aquatic invertebrate surveys to inform an EIS submission.  A large suite of species was identified, including many significant species recognized under state and federal legislation.

Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey and Habitat Assessment – Ferntree Landfill.

Completed November, 2006. BAAM was commissioned by IDSM Pty Ltd to provide an independent and comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and associated habitat values of the site of the proposed Ferntree Landfill site, and include an assessment of an associated access roadways. On completion of the fauna surveys, Fauna Management Plans for conservation significant species (Elf Skink, Tusked Frog, and Richmond Birdwing Butterfly) were produced.

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Assessment - Jubilee Grove Residential Development, Innisfail.

Report prepared for Freehills Pty Ltd, October 2006. BAAM were engaged to undertake a detailed survey of terrestrial flora and fauna values in an area of lowland rainforest situated to the east of Innisfail. 

The survey involved all standard detection techniques and resulted in the identification of numerous significant species, including Southern Cassowary and Common Mist Fog (Litoria rheocola), both of which are recognized as nationally endangered.The subsequent report recommended areas suitable for development that ensure the balance between development and environmental protection is sustainable. 

Fauna Survey and Habitat Assessment Report – Caboolture to Landsborough Rail Corridor. 

Prepared for WBM Oceanics.  March 2006. BAAM was engaged to provide a comprehensive assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna values of the proposed route and surrounding lands (‘the study area’), focusing primarily on species of conservation significance known or predicted to occur. 

This included

• a survey and detailed report on the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and their habitats within the study area, including faunal lists and status under National, State and Local legislation;
• a detailed assessment and comment on significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors; and
• recommendations for the mitigation of any potential ecological impacts of the proposed activities.

Flora and Fauna Assessment Report – Sandhills Estate, Byron Bay. 

Prepared for Tony Charters and Associates. January 2006. The specific aims of this assessment were to provide:

• a comprehensive survey and report of the vegetation and flora within the study area including lists and significance under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) and New South Wales’ Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC);
• a comprehensive survey and report of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna and their habitats within the study area, including faunal lists and significance status under the EPBC and TSC;
• an assessment of the nature and condition of natural and anthropogenic biotic landscapes within the study area and the significance of noteworthy flora and/or ecosystems in a regional or national context;
• an assessment and comment on significant faunal habitats within the study area, including their contribution to faunal movement corridors; and
• advice regarding the potential ecological constraints to future development of the land, and identification of opportunities for habitat enhancement.

Flora and Fauna Assessment - Queensland Alumina Red Mud Dam Project, Boyne Island, Gladstone.

Prepared for Queensland Alumina (QAL).  November 2005. QAL is Queensland’s largest alumina refinery, located on Boyne Island near Gladstone in south-eastern Queensland.  Biodiversity Assessment and management were contracted to undertake baseline surveys for the proposed red mud storage facility upgrade.  These baseline studies were to provide important information for necessary community consultation and referral to relevant government agencies. 

The baseline assessments identified a variety of values, including the federally significant Black-breasted Button-quail and Brigalow Scalyfoot.  However, in order to adequately gauge potential impacts on these species, targeted surveys and research was required to identify areas of occupancy and habitat use.  Particular attention was given to the Black-breasted Button-quail population, which had not been recorded within the area since 1906.  The study identified that existing threats pose the greatest impacts to these species.  In particular, weed infestations including exotic grasses and creeping lantana, which increased the risk and potential impact of fires on existing fragmented habitats. 

In order to address these concerns, BAAM produced a detailed management plan specific to the red mud dam area.  The plan included: rehabilitation and revegetation to reduce edge effects and improve connectivity; weed management strategies to reduce weed invasions; the management of feral species populations; and a fire management strategy aimed at using traditional fire regimes.  Subsequent submission of the proposal to the Department of Environment and Heritage resulted in the project being deemed “Not a Controlled Action”. 

Connors River Dam Terrestrial Fauna Assessment

Prepared for Sunwater. 2009. BAAM was commissioned to assess the terrestrial fauna and vertebrate habitats within and surrounding the proposed Connors River Dam and pipeline, located south-west of Sarina on the central coast of Queensland.  The purpose of the assessment was to provide a description of the terrestrial fauna (including riparian fauna) in and near the area of inundation, including:
(a) broad distribution patterns in relation to vegetation type and topography;
(b) species diversity of all vertebrate groups;
(c) species conservation significance, including discussion of range, habitat, breeding, recruitment, feeding and movement requirements and current level of protection;
(d) broad assessment of habitat types and their suitability for terrestrial vertebrates including conservation significant species
(e) feral or exotic animals; and
(f) site data compatible with EPA WildNet databases. The study area is focused around a 30km stretch of Connors River and associated tributaries, the proposed inundation area and 160 km proposed pipeline route options west to the town of Moranbah. 

Ecological Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan for Dauan Island and Pumpkin (Koey) Islet HFSWR Project, Torres Strait. 

Reports prepared for Daronmont Technologies on behalf of CoastWatch and the Department of Defence.  June 2004. BAAM Pty Ltd were commissioned by the Commonwealth Government (via Daronmont Technologies) and on behalf of the Dauan and Badu People, to address environmental issues associated with the Commonwealth Government’s proposal to install a high frequency Surface Wave Extended Coastal Area Radar (SECAR) receiving facility on Dauan Island in the Torres Strait, linking with a proposed transmit site on Koey Ngurtai (Pumpkin Islet), for off-shore surveillance purposes. 

Specific aims of the assessment were to:

• describe the proposed facilities, their purpose, and how they will be constructed, operated and decommissioned;
• describe the lease area and surrounds, including the flora, fauna, marine environment, soils and water;
• describe the impacts that the facilities may have on the environment and the people, the resilience of the environment to the proposed changes, and how any negative impacts would be prevented or managed, taking into account the environmental legislation and guidelines of the Queensland Government; and
• determine the likelihood of the project causing impacts of National Environmental Significance as described in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

EPBC Act Listed Flora and Vertebrate Fauna Assessment - CAMCOS rail corridor

Prepared for ARUP. November 2008.  BAAM was commissioned to provide an assessment of the likely presence of flora and terrestrial vertebrate species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) within the portion of the proposed CAMCOS Rail Corridor that runs from Sugarbag Road to Woodlands Boulevard (study area). 

Fitzgibbon Development Scheme Ecological Assessment and Planning Advice.

Prepared for Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA), November 2008. The purpose of this consultancy was to provide an independent assessment of the flora and fauna habitat values within the designated Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area (UDA). Specific aims were to provide advice on:
(a) flora and fauna habitat and vegetation mapping;
(b) delineation of core habitat and ecological linkage extents and location; and
(c) vegetation/habitat offset management.  Desktop and field studies were undertaken in order to highlight the occurrence and distribution of species and communities considered significant under Federal, State and local legislation.  Recommendations on the protection of ecological values considered important at a Federal, State and local level were made taking regard to the intent of legislative and policy requirements.

The distribution of identified ecological values was presented in a spatially explicit manner allowing for the identification of core habitat areas and effective ecological linkages.  Ranking of ecological values in order of priority for conservation together with the application of current ecological theory was also employed in order to define core habitat areas and vital linkages both within and external to the urban development area. In order to maintain the current values within, and linkages between, core habitat and in an attempt to offset losses elsewhere, specific revegetation, rehabilitation and fauna management requirements were prescribed for currently degraded areas that are located within the core biodiversity network.