Pilbara Ports Authority. Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging Long Term Dredge Management Plan

Transcription

1 Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging Long Term Dredge Management Plan April 2018

2 Table of contents 1. Background Purpose and Content of this Plan Management Framework Regulatory Framework Other Requirements Stakeholder Consultation and Availability of the LTDMP The Port of Port Hedland Location Existing Port Facilities Future Port Development Dredging and Spoil Disposal Activities History of Dredging at the Port Proposed Dredging Activity Potential Impacts Environment, Social and Amenity Considerations Physical Environment Biological Environment Social and Economic Uses of the Area Impact Assessment Environmental objectives Risk to Environmental Objectives Monitoring and Management Plans Environmental management plan for marine megafauna (including turtles) Environmental management plan for benthic habitats Environmental management plan for marine hydrocarbon pollution Environmental management plan for marine water and sediment quality Environmental management plan for Introduced Marine Pests Environmental management plan for shipboard waste Overall Roles and Responsibilities Audit and Review References T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging, i

3 Table index Table 3 1: Previous approved and permitted dredging activities at the Port of Port Hedland... 9 Table 3 2: Maintained depths within the port Table 3 3: Spoil Grounds coordinates Table 3 4: Summary of Spoil Grounds Table 4 1: Dredging project comparative volumes and duration Table 5 1: Environmental Factors and Objectives that may be influenced by maintenance dredging Table 6 1: Environmental monitoring and management plan framework Table 7 1: Positions and responsibilities for the maintenance dredging operations at the Port of Port Hedland Figure index Figure 2 1: Location and features of the Port of Port Hedland Figure 2 2: Port facilities in the Inner Harbour Figure 3 1: Maintenance dredging footprint Figure 3 2: Port Hedland Spoil Grounds Appendices Appendix A Port of Port Hedland Marine Environment Appendix B Risk Assessment T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging, ii

4 Abbreviations and Terms Term / Abbreviation BPP BPPH CD COPC CROP CSD DAWR DotEE DoT DPIRD EIS EPBC Act HAT IMO IMPs LAT LTDMP MFO Mm 3 NAGD PPA PSD QA/QC SAP Definition Benthic Primary Producer - Organisms that use light to produce energy through photosynthesis. BPP marine species that photosynthesise include marine algae (macro-algae, turf algae, and benthic micro-algae), mangroves, seagrass and corals. Benthic Primary Producer Habitat - Examples of BPPH include coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, intertidal mud flats that support mangroves, intertidal algal mat communities, intertidal saltmarshes, algal dominated rocky reefs, and algal dominated biogenic reefs. Chart Datum Contaminant of Potential Concern Channel Risk and Optimisation Project Cutter Suction Dredge Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy Western Australia Department of Transport Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Environmental Impact Statement Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) Highest Astronomical Tide, the highest tide level which can be expected to occur under average meteorological conditions. International Maritime Organisation Introduced Marine Pests Lowest Astronomical Tide, the lowest tide level which can be expected to occur under average meteorological conditions. Long Term Dredge Management Plan Marine Fauna Observer(s) One million cubic metres National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging, Commonwealth of Australia Pilbara Ports Authority Particle Size Distribution Quality Assurance and Quality Control Sampling and Analysis Plan Sea Dumping Act Commonwealth Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging, iii

5 Term / Abbreviation SDP SOPEP TACC TBT TOC TSHD TSS VTS Definition Sea Dumping Permit Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee Tributyltin Total Organic Content Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge Total Suspended Solids Vessel Traffic Service T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging, iv

6 1. Background 1.1 Purpose and Content of this Plan Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) has undertaken regular maintenance dredging of the shipping channel and berths at the Port of Port Hedland (Port) since 1977 in order to maintain safe navigation within the Port. Maintenance dredging has been undertaken in accordance with several Sea Dumping Permits (SDP) issued by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) under the Environmental Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act). PPA is seeking to obtain a new five year SDP to ensure that maintenance dredging can continue into the future to maintain the Port s critical depths. This Long Term Dredge Management Plan (LTDMP) forms a part of the SDP application as well as providing the framework for maintenance dredging and ocean disposal activities by PPA over the lifetime of the SDP, including: Overall management framework; The areas where dredging is to occur; Type of materials to be dredged; Offshore disposal locations and activities; Legislation and regulations that apply to the maintenance dredging program; Environmental values to be protected, the risks that dredging may pose, and the mechanisms to be implemented to mediate these risks (Management Strategies); Responsible parties; Monitoring and reporting; and Consultation. This LTDMP also provides the framework to guide the preparation of a detailed operational dredge management plan to be developed by the appointed dredge contractor(s), or included within specific contract conditions accepted by the dredge contractor(s), prior to the commencement of the dredging activities. This LTDMP, in accordance with leading practice for dredging projects internationally, uses risk informed decision making as the basis for the management framework. The process was transparent and interactive through the engagement of a broad stakeholder base and sought to draw upon the best available information. The information provided in this LTDMP has been prepared in accordance with the National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging (NAGD) using guidance from DotEE ( 237b 43a8 a a60e388d1/files/ltmmp guidance material.pdf). 1.2 Management Framework PPA is the proponent for the maintenance dredging program in the Port. PPA s Dredging and Survey Manager has overall responsibility for dredging at the Port. The maintenance dredging program is conducted in accordance with conditions of the SDP and the requirements of PPA as detailed in the contract between PPA and the dredging contractor(s) undertaking the maintenance dredging works. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

7 The dredging contractor is responsible for the implementation of the dredging program within the constraints of the requirements of PPA and the SDP including this LTDMP. 1.3 Regulatory Framework The following sections provide a brief overview of key Commonwealth and State legislation pertinent to this LTDMP Commonwealth legislation, regulation and guidelines Commonwealth Sea Dumping Act (1981) In Australia, ocean disposal of dredged material within and outside of State and Territory waters is regulated by the DotEE under the Sea Dumping Act and the National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging 2009 (NAGD). The development of this legislation and guidelines has been guided by the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972 (London Convention) and the more recent 1996 Protocol to the London Convention, to which Australia is a signatory. These agreements aim to prevent pollution of the sea from the disposal of wastes or other matter, including dredged material. The NAGD contains provision for the granting of permits for dredging on the following basis: An assessment of the applicant s capacity to meet their obligations under the Sea Dumping Act and any permit granted under this Act; Establishment of a Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee (TACC) to advise on long term management of dredging activities and to provide ongoing stakeholder consultation; and Development and the implementation of a satisfactory Environment Management Plan for the loading and disposal activities, which provides for sampling and analysis to support any future permit applications. Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act) establishes a process for the assessment and approval of proposed actions that are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance or on Commonwealth land. Other Commonwealth legislation, regulation and guidelines Other applicable Commonwealth legislation and guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following Acts, Regulations (and relevant amendments): Protection of the Seas (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983; Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements Version ; Biosecurity Act (2015); Biosecurity Regulations (2016); and National Water Quality Management Strategy (Commonwealth Government of Australia 1992) State legislation, regulation and guidelines The key Western Australian legislation, regulation and guidelines relevant to dredging at the Port of Port Hedland include: T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

8 Port Authorities Act 1999; Navigable Waters Regulations 1958; Shipping and Pilotage (Port and Harbour) Regulations 1966; Western Australian Marine Act 1982; Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1987; Marine and Harbours Act 1981; Environmental Protection Act 1986; Environmental Protection Regulations 1987; Fisheries Resource Management Act 1994 (the State Act addressing Introduced Marine Pests); Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority Technical Guidance Assessment Guidelines of Marine Dredging Proposals (WA EPA, 2016); Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority Technical Guidance Protecting the Quality of Western Australia s Marine Environment (WA EPA, 2016); and Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority Technical Guidance Protection of Benthic Communities and Habitats (WA EPA, 2016). 1.4 Other Requirements Health and safety The maintenance dredging program shall be carried out in accordance with PPA health and safety requirements and a Health and Safety Management Plan shall be prepared by the dredging contractor(s) and approved by PPA prior to the commencement of dredging Quality assurance PPA, and the dredging contractor(s) undertaking the dredging program, shall have a Quality System certified by a third party to be compliant with ISO 9001, or equivalent. Quality records shall be kept for dredging and surveys, data management presentation and interpretation Survey Hydrographic survey works will be the ultimate responsibility of PPA, however progress survey work may be undertaken by the dredging contractor(s) depending on the terms of the dredging contract. Surveys will be carried out in accordance with the latest revision of the PPA s Hydrographic Survey Standards and Deliverables (A306835) requirements and with the requirements of the contract between PPA and the dredging contractor(s) Port operations The maintenance dredging program will be carried out within an operating Port and channel. The requirements for operating in the Port are outlined in PPA s Port of Port Hedland Port Handbook, the Port of Port Hedland Port User Guidelines and Procedures (A318191) and in consultation with the Port Hedland Harbour Master. The requirements of PPA shall be adhered to whilst any vessels associated with the dredging program are within Port Waters. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

9 1.5 Stakeholder Consultation and Availability of the LTDMP PPA facilitates a TACC which generally meets at least twice per annum to discuss all matters relating to dredging in the Port. The TACC was formed in September 2006 with the purpose to: Keep stakeholders informed on dredging activities; Provide continuity of direction and effort for environmental protection matters related to dredging and ocean disposal of dredged material; Provide a forum for communication and resolution of any issues that may arise that stakeholders would like to be addressed; Assist in establishment of long term permitting arrangements, including review over development and implementation of: o o o Sampling and Analysis Plans; Dredge Management Plans; and Other research and monitoring programmes; Review on going management of dredging and ocean disposal activities in accordance with guidelines and permits; and Make recommendations as appropriate. The main objective of the TACC is to ensure a transparent process with respect to dredging and ocean disposal of dredged material. The TACC is representative of industry, community and government at all levels, including the following organisations: PPA (Environment and Heritage Manager (Port Hedland) and Dredging and Survey Manager, or their representatives); GHD Pty Ltd representing PPA in a technical capacity; Government organisations: o o o o o DotEE; Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), previously the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority; Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries Service, previously Department of Fisheries; Western Australia Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service, previously Department of Parks and Wildlife; and Western Australia Department of Transport; Town of Port Hedland; Pilbara Native Title Service; Port User Groups: o o o BHP; Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (FMG); and Roy Hill (RH); Community Groups: T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

10 o Care for Hedland Environmental Association. A meeting of the TACC was held in Port Hedland on Friday 29 September 2017 to discuss the proposed maintenance dredging works. The TACC will continue to meet twice annually, or more frequently as required Availability of the LTDMP This LTDMP will be made available on PPA s website ( ). T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

11 2. The Port of Port Hedland 2.1 Location The Port of Port Hedland is located approximately 1,640 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia (Figure 2 1). The Port Limits comprise all waters within a radius of 10 nautical miles of Hunt Point (Beacon 47), which is the entrance to the Inner Harbour. The Inner Harbour comprises 19 berth pockets, tug pens, tug moorings and turning/swing basins. The Port is linked to the deep waters of the Indian Ocean via a 42 kilometre (km) long shipping Channel (the Channel), which is unidirectional and tidally constrained. The minimum design width and depth of the Channel is 183 m and 14.9 m RL respectively (PPA 2017). 2.2 Existing Port Facilities Historically, Port Hedland was established as a service centre for the pearling, pastoral and gold mining industries. It was not until the 1960s that the township experienced major growth as a result of increased demand for iron ore. Today, the Port of Port Hedland is one of the largest bulk export ports in the world with 19 operational berths in the Inner Harbour (Figure 2 2). Iron ore is the main bulk material exported through the Port, however smaller quantities of salt, manganese, copper concentrate, spodumene and chromite are also shipped from Port Hedland. Other cargoes that are loaded or unloaded at the port include bulk liquids (sulphuric acid / caustic soda), containers, livestock, scrap metal, cement, general cargo heavy lifts and petroleum products. 2.3 Future Port Development PPA is committed to facilitating proponent development to achieve maximum port capacity at the Inner Harbour. The Port of Port Hedland Port Master Plan 2030 identifies Lumsden Point and South West Creek as two areas within the Inner Harbour for new export infrastructure. Development of these facilities will require substantial capital dredging at the outset, and then ongoing maintenance dredging to maintain declared depths throughout the life of the export facilities Channel Risk and Optimisation Project PPA is currently implementing the Channel Risk and Optimisation Project (CROP). The CROP will mitigate the risks of Channel blockages by increasing navigation depths within the existing channel areas, constructing an Emergency Passing Lane adjacent to the existing outer Channel and constructing a deep water Refuge Zone for stricken vessels. These works have been assessment and approved by DotEE and a SDP issued (SD 2017/3542) CROP capital dredging will take place concurrently with maintenance dredging ( ) to maximise efficiencies. The total volume of material to be dredged under the CROP is estimated to be approximately million cubic metres (Mm 3 ) over a timeframe of approximately three years. GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

12 Figure 2-1: Location and features of the Port of Port Hedland. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

13 Figure 2-2: Port facilities in the Inner Harbour. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

14 3. Dredging and Spoil Disposal Activities 3.1 History of Dredging at the Port PPA is responsible for maintenance dredging of the berths, channel and turning basin at the Port. There has also been a number of capital dredging programs undertaken by PPA and other proponents to facilitate Port expansion projects. Table 3 1 summarises the dredging campaigns at the Port since Historically, maintenance dredging campaigns were conducted three to four years apart. However, since 2012 maintenance dredging has occurred annually and will continue to occur annually into the future. Table 3-1: Previous approved and permitted dredging activities at the Port of Port Hedland Year Type of Dredging Proponent * Volume (m 3 ) 1977 Maintenance PPA 150, Maintenance PPA 268, Capital and Maintenance PPA 7,000, Capital PPA 13,600, Maintenance PPA 350, Maintenance PPA 200, Maintenance PPA 114, Maintenance PPA 330, Maintenance PPA 580, Capital BHP Billiton 460, Maintenance PPA 550, Capital FMG 5,000, Maintenance PPA 730, Capital FMG 3,400, Capital BHP Billiton 3,900, Capital BHP Billiton 6,000, Capital PPA 8,800,000 ** 2010 Maintenance PPA 930, Capital PPA 5,880,000 ** 2012 Maintenance PPA 312, Capital BHP Billiton 1,720,000 ** 2013 Maintenance PPA 680, Maintenance PPA 344, Maintenance PPA 473, Maintenance PPA 272, onwards Capital PPA 1,913,000** * PPA includes the predecessor organisation Port Hedland Port Authority ** Volumes includes approved under Permit, but not necessarily dredged 3.2 Proposed Dredging Activity The Channel and Inner Harbour at the Port are subject to siltation of approximately 500,000 m 3 per year as a result of a west to east littoral drift depositing sand into the Channel, and GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

15 erosion of the creek systems depositing silt into the Inner Harbour. This siltation if unmanaged will limit navigational areas and increase the risk of vessel grounding. Hence maintenance dredging is, and will continue to be, required to maintain the declared depths as shown in Table 3 2. Table 3-2: Maintained depths within the port Location Depth (m to CD) Channel to * Inner Harbour (including swing basins) -9.7 to * Nelson Point tug pens -6.3 PH No. 1, 2 and 3 Berths -13.4, -13.6, PH No. 4 (Utah Point) Berth BHP Nelson Point A, B, C & D Berths BHP Finucane Island A, B, C & D Berths FMG Anderson Point AP1, AP2, & AP 3 Berths FMG Anderson Point AP4 & AP5 Berths Roy Hill Iron Ore Stanley Point SP1 & SP Berths CROP Emergency Passing Lane to -17.6* CROP Refuge Zone * * Post CROP design depths The specific dredging footprints for each annual maintenance campaign between 2018 and 2023 to be covered by this LTDMP and SDP have not been determined at this stage. These dredging footprints will be defined prior to each annual campaign based on up to date survey results. This approach optimises the amount of dredging required. During the life of the SDP, it is expected that capital dredging projects will be completed (under separate approvals), and that these areas, once capital dredging is complete, will be included in PPA annual maintenance dredging cycle. These areas include: South West Creek; Stingray Creek Cyclone Moorings; Hunt Point Tug Harbour; FMG Tug Haven Burgess Point; and Lumsden Point. These areas may not have undergone sampling to confirm marine sediments are suitable for unconfined ocean disposal at time of publishing. Therefore prior to any dredging occurring in these areas, sampling of these sediments will be undertaken and the results reviewed by PPA s Technical advisor to confirm consistency with SAP IR results and suitability for ocean disposal. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

16 Figure 3-1: Maintenance dredging footprint Dredge Volume It is likely that approximately 500,000 m 3 of sediment would need to be dredged and disposed of each year. This volume is based on the experience of maintenance dredging at Port Hedland. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

17 3.2.2 Dredging Methods Dredging in the Inner Harbour and Channel, including the Emergency Passing Lane and the Refuge Zones, will likely be undertaken by a Trailer Suction Hopper Dredge (TSHD) contracted by PPA. Maintenance dredging in the Tug Havens is likely to be undertaken with smaller dredging equipment like a demountable cutter suction dredge, backhoe dredge, etc. The details of the actual dredge that will be used will be dependent on the particular dredging requirements for a particular area and each dredging campaign and also the availability of dredging equipment and as such may vary Dredging Schedule The maintenance dredging schedule may change from year to year depending upon particular conditions at the time, contingencies due to weather or equipment delays, or planned capital works (e.g. CROP dredging). PPA is proposing to commence the dredging program associated with this LTDMP (and associated SDP application) in August/September 2018, with dredging being undertaken for a period of 6 8 weeks. A similar maintenance dredging cycle will likely be undertaken annually for the period of the SDP Project Vessels PPA has historically engaged a variety of different TSHD to carry out its annual maintenance dredging campaigns. The choice of dredge is generally based on availability and proximity, for example contracting a dredge that is already working in Western Australia would result in significant savings on mobilization costs. The dredges that have been engaged over the current approved SDP range in size from 3,400m 3 to 30,500m 3 (hopper capacity). Larger dredges are more efficient as they require fewer trips to the spoil grounds, however they have a greater draft which necessitates a deeper spoil ground. Smaller dredges can access shallower spoil grounds, but are less efficient and require more dump trips. PPA prefers to use dredges with a larger hopper capacity, which is better suited to PPA s practice of restricting overflowing in the Inner Harbour where possible, in order to avoid redepositing fine silts that have been dredged elsewhere back into the Inner Harbour. Using a larger dredge also reduces the potential interaction with marine mega fauna as less trips to the spoil grounds are required. PPA generally contracts a survey vessel and sweeper vessel to work in conjunction with the dredge for annual maintenance dredging campaigns. Mobilisation of dredge plant and associated equipment will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of PPA through its contract with the dredging contractor(s) undertaking the dredging program, the requirements of the SDP and PPA s standards, procedures and regulations for the Port including PPA s Introduced Marine Species Risk Assessment Procedure Dredge Spoil Disposal Dredge spoil will be dumped at Spoil Grounds I, 7A and 9A (Figure 3 2). Spoil Ground I has a long history of use as an area for the disposal of dredged material from both maintenance and capital dredging activities at Port Hedland. As a result, Spoil Ground I has become too shallow in places to be safely navigated by larger TSHDs with greater draft requirements. Spoil Grounds 7 and 9 which were investigated as part of the BHP Outer Harbour Channel project (SKM, 2011a and c) both have greater depths than Spoil Ground I. Subareas within Spoil Grounds 7 and 9 (7A and 9A) were approved as disposal sites for the CROP capital T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

18 dredging works under SD2017/3542, and dumping at these sites commenced in Spoil Ground I will be continued to be used by shallow draft dredges where possible, however Spoil Grounds 7A and 9A will provide additional disposal area for maintenance dredging. Coordinates and details for Spoil Grounds I, 7A and 9A are provided in Table 3 3 and Table 3 4, respectively. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

19 Figure 3-2: Port Hedland Spoil Grounds T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

20 Table 3-3: Spoil Grounds coordinates Boundary Latitude* Longitude* Easting* Northing* Spoil Ground I NW S 20º E 118º ' NE S 20º ' E 118º ' SE S 20º ' E 118º ' SW S 20º ' E 118º ' Spoil Ground 7A NW (7A 1) S ' E ' NE (7A 2) S ' E ' SE (7A 3) S ' E ' SW (7A 4) S ' E ' Spoil Ground 9A NW (9A 1) S ' E ' NE (9A 2) S ' E ' SE (9A 3) S ' E ' SW (9A 4) S ' E ' * Datum GDA94, Projection MGA94, Zone 50K T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

21 Table 3-4: Summary of Spoil Grounds Spoil Ground Water Depth (m LAT) I -8.0 to m Area (ha) Approx. Capacity (Mm 3 )* Description Mm 3 Spoil Ground I is located in Commonwealth waters 11 km offshore from Port Hedland. The disposal site is described as bare sandy bottom depauperate in macro-benthic flora and fauna (URS, 2005, WorleyParsons; 2015). 7A Mm 3 Adjacent to the Channel and CROP Refuge Zone. Likely location for materials dredged from the Channel and CROP Refuge Zone. The disposal site is described as bare sandy bottom depauperate in macro-benthic flora and fauna (SKM 2009a & 2011a). 9A Mm 3 Located at the end of the Channel and likely location for materials dredged from the outer Channel and CROP Passing Lane. The disposal site is described as bare sandy bottom depauperate in macro-benthic flora and fauna (SKM 2009a & 2011a). * Actual capacity depends on the TSHD contracted, the greater the hopper capacity the greater the draft required and the lesser the spoil ground capacity T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

22 4. Potential Impacts - Environment, Social and Amenity Considerations Characterisation of the existing marine environments at the Port and an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed maintenance dredging and disposal operations were undertaken based on existing knowledge of the area, in particular the large amount of information available as a result of the Public Environmental Review (PER) / Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for BHP Billiton s Outer Harbour Development (BHP Billiton 2011) and studies undertaken by PPA in support of previous SDP applications. PPA also implemented a Sampling and Analysis Program (SAP) in August 2017 at select locations within the maintenance dredging footprint to reconfirm sediment quality data collected previously (MScience 2017). An overview of the marine environment within and surrounding the Port is provided below. For more detailed descriptions refer to Appendix A. 4.1 Physical Environment Coastal Geomorphology and Hydrodynamic Processes The Port Hedland area is a limestone barrier coast with a large tidal range that has evolved into a mosaic of coastal landforms inclusive of offshore limestone ridges, protected embayments (such as the Inner Harbour), sandy substrata with mangroves, mud flats, salt flats and a number of islands and associated reefs. Depths are generally shallow, gradually increasing with distance from the shoreline to around 16 m CD at approximately 13 km seaward of the shoreline. The tides at Port Hedland are predominantly semi diurnal and range from 1.4 m during neap tides to 5.8 m during springs, with the highest astronomical tide (HAT) being 7.6 m (PHPA 2006). The natural current direction in the local area is north westerly to south easterly. Influences on the currents and circulation in the North West Shelf include the Indonesian through flow current, the Western Australian current, the Leeuwin current and large tidal ranges and cyclones (GHD 2008). Winds are generally moderate throughout the year, apart from sporadic cyclonic and strong storm events, leading to limited wind driven currents and a generally calm wave regime. Under cyclonic conditions, large waves, strong winds and storm surges can be created which can significantly alter current and wave energy patterns, and subsequent background water quality conditions. As an example, between December and May (wet season) the Pilbara region is subjected to sporadic, intense storms and an average of three to four cyclones occur each season (CSIRO 2008) Marine Water Quality Typically, nearshore waters are characterised by variable turbidity and high sedimentation rates, with associated highly variable light regimes and seawater temperatures. Offshore waters exhibit fewer extremes in the water quality, but still display occasional high levels of sedimentation and turbidity, low light and variable seawater temperatures (SKM 2009b; BHP Billiton 2011). In general, light, turbidity, seawater temperature and sedimentation rates are weather dependent and show a strong seasonal transition from the dry to the wet seasons. Large daily tidal ranges (>5 m), strong winds (gusts >50 km/h) and increased wave activity (such as associated with cyclonic activity) can impact background conditions resulting in increased turbidity (in the form of increase total suspended solids (TSS)) due to coastal runoff and wind/wave driven sediment resuspension. In summary, waters in the vicinity of the Port T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

23 are subject to naturally elevated levels of turbidity and a reduced light climate heavily influenced by discrete weather events. Marine water quality is unlikely to be significantly impacted by maintenance dredging works except in the immediate vicinity of the dredging activity. Water quality modelling for BHP Billiton s Outer Harbour Project, a much larger dredging program, predicted that there would be a low probability of adverse impacts of dredging and disposal activities on water quality and identified sensitive receptors (APASA 2009) 1. Water quality monitoring has been undertaken prior to and during dredging works associated with the combined CROP capital program (2017) and the 2017 maintenance dredging campaigns. Data collected indicates water quality impacts from this combined campaign (as of December 2017) have not exceeded set trigger levels ( >5.7 NTU above the NTU at reference sites for 3 consecutive days). The current combined CROP and 2017 maintenance dredging program represents a significantly larger program than might normally be carried out for annual maintenance dredging. The results to date confirm the assumptions (results) presented in the BHP modelling, that dredging and disposal activities within these areas are unlikely to adversely impact known and identified sensitive receptors. The proposed annual maintenance dredging and disposal campaigns ( ) are significantly smaller than these capital dredging projects, as shown in Table 4 1, therefore the risk associated with turbid plumes (reduced water quality) impacting identified sensitive receptors (e.g. BPPH) is considered low. No further management actions or water quality monitoring is therefore proposed. Table 4-1: Dredging project comparative volumes and duration Project Volume (Mm 3 ) Duration Outer Harbour Development Up to continuous months of dredging over 5 years CROP Up to A single 3 to 4 month dredging block annually for 2 (possibly 3) years Maintenance Dredging Up to 0.5 per annum 6-8 weeks per year over 5 years Sediments Since 1990, the sediments of the Port and surrounding marine areas have been widely sampled and as such, there is considerable reliable information with which to characterise their chemical and physical properties. Based on historic sampling, sediments in the Inner Harbour are comprised mostly of silt and clay, with varying mixtures of medium sand, coarse sand and gravel. Sediments in the offshore region (including the Channel, CROP areas and Spoil Grounds) are comprised mostly of medium to coarse grained sand and shell fragments (SKM 2009; WorleyParsons, 2012, 2013, 2015; GHD 2016; Jacobs 2017). Metals are the only contaminants that may be of concern in the sediments that are proposed to be dredged under maintenance dredging campaigns. Several metals naturally occur in the marine sediments of the Pilbara at levels in excess of the screening (low) levels of the NAGD) T 1 Note: the modelling for the Outer Harbour project assumed a 60 month duration. Approvals for the project and later programs may reflect an alternative timeframe that was adopted separately from the modelling exercise. GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

24 (DEC, 2006; MScience, 2017). In particular arsenic, nickel, cadmium and chromium are frequently found in elevated concentrations across the marine sediments of the Pilbara (DEC, 2006, MScience, 2017), and have been recorded in excess of the NAGD screening level (low) within the dredging footprint. Data on the properties of the sediments in and around the maintenance dredging areas and the three Spoil Grounds were obtained during the implementation of Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) implemented over the past five years. Particle size distributions of the sediments in the Inner Harbour had the highest percentage of silt and clay, while the majority of the other sites had varying mixtures of mainly medium sand, coarse sand and gravel. The sediment from the sites at Spoil Ground I, 7A and 9A appeared to be the most consistent, mainly consisting of coarse sand. The results of the sampling over the past five years can be used to make the following observations about levels of contamination in the sediments that may be dredged: Naturally occurring levels of arsenic, nickel and chromium are found, at times, in excess of the NAGD (low) screening levels. Detailed assessments of the sources of these levels as part of many of the previous studies has concluded that the levels are naturally occurring. These exceedances are generally only slightly above the NAGD guideline levels and the conclusion that the observed levels of metals do not pose a risk has been confirmed by elutriate / bioavailability and toxicity testing undertaken in a number of the surveys. There are decreasing levels of copper around the PH berths. Historic loading of copper concentrate from the PH 1 and PH 2 berths resulted in levels of copper in excess of the NAGD (high) screening level being detected in the marine sediments at these berths. Efforts by PPA to manage the storage and loading of copper concentrate have resulted in copper levels being below the NAGD (low) screening level at these berths. The GHD survey in 2016 and the Jacobs survey for the CROP in 2017 found levels of copper below the NAGD (low) screening level in all samples. The 2017 survey around the PPA wharves did find an exceedance of copper in the sediments so there is some residual copper still occurring around the PPA wharves. Organic compounds (other than organotin) including hydrocarbons have never been found to exceed guideline levels in the marine sediments at Port Hedland. Tributyltin has been decreasing in and around the Port but still occurs in at the PPA wharves and can still be found in isolated sediments at scattered locations elsewhere in the port. In the late 1990s and early 2000s tributyltin was found in sediments in a number of locations in the inner harbour. Since International Convention in the control of Harmful Anti fouling Systems on Ships came into full force in 2008 tributyltin is no longer used as an anti fouling paint on ships. As such the risk of tributyltin leaching from vessels and finding its way into the marine environment has been greatly reduced (Sousa and Pastorhino, 2016), however many older vessels still have tributyltin based anti fouling paints present on their hulls, generally under more recently applied coats of nontributyltin containing paints. The tributyltin trapped in these lower coats of paint has the potential to become dislodged from the hull of the ship as a result of contact with the wharf or with a tug during mooring operations. These paint flakes settling in the sediments then have the potential to result in isolated but high readings of tributyltin in sediment samples. This is exactly the pattern observed during the sampling undertaken by Jacobs (2014) and GHD (2016). In general, the overall level of contamination by tributyltin of the sediments in Port Hedland harbour is reducing, likely as a result of the tributyltin breaking down in the sediments. The half life of tributyltin in sediments ranges from one year to tens of years depending on the level of oxygenation in the sediments, with more aerobic sediments resulting in a shorter half life of tributyltin (Dowson et al., 1996; Burton T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

25 et al., 2006; Graceli et al., 2013). Once sediments are disturbed into the water column, as happens during dredging and disposal, the increased oxygenation causes the tributyltin to rapidly breakdown with the half life of tributyltin in sea water ranging from minutes to a day or so (Burton et al., 2006). There are still persistent levels of tributyltin in the sediments at the PPA wharves (MScience, 2017). This appears to be the only location within Port Hedland harbour where organotins persist at any level apart from occurrences resulting from isolated paint flakes. These persistent levels are still low enough for the sediments to be considered suitable for unconfined ocean disposal (MScience, 2017). Intermittent high concentrations of tributyltin may still be observed in the sediments of Port Hedland harbour is not a result of long term high levels of contamination of the sediments, as this is reducing. Instead, paint flakes originating from older vessels are likely to be causing localised spikes in tributyltin concentrations. This risk should reduce over time as these older ships in the fleet are replaced by newer vessels which have never had tributyltin applied to their hulls. As such, while it remains worthwhile surveying for tributyltin in Port Hedland harbour, the issue of tributyltin contaminated sediments at the Port is one that appears to be diminishing over time. Elevated levels of manganese and barium detected, however not considered as contaminants of concern. Manganese has been exported through Port Hedland since 1952 and while manganese concentrations at the PH 1 and 2 berths have been found to have decreased compared to past surveys, they remained above derived NAGD (low) screening guidelines. Barium concentrations have increased at the PH 1 and 2 berths in recent years and were above NAGD (low) screening guidelines for all sites. However, neither element is recognised commonly as having a high ecotoxicity risk and neither should be viewed as a contaminant of concern in this area. All other contaminants such as tributyltin, pesticides, herbicides and petroleum hydrocarbons were below the NAGD guidelines levels in all samples examined. All sediments are suitable for unconfined ocean disposal. 4.2 Biological Environment Marine Habitats Intertidal The coastal marine habitats found in the Inner Harbour are similar to those found along the Pilbara coastline in similar settings. Dense stands of mangroves occupy areas within the intertidal zone, where tidal inundation is sufficiently frequent to maintain sedimentation and salinity levels that allow for colonisation by mangroves. With increasing distance from the shoreline, the height and cover of mangrove vegetation decreases, giving way to open hypersaline tidal flats where halophytic communities occur as the sediments are dryer and more saline (Saenger, 2002; Beard, 1975). The tidal flats are large open bare areas with scattered mangrove shrubs, typically Avicennia marina, and saltmarsh (samphire) species (ENV, 2010). The tidal flats are different from the intertidal flats in that they are not subject to extensive tidal flows and are not regularly inundated by the tide (ENV, 2010). Some areas between the mangrove and samphire dominated habitats of the upper intertidal zone support cyanobacterial mats under suitable conditions (Paling et al., 1986; Paling et al., 2003; SKM, 2009b). The mangrove and other intertidal habitats in the Port Hedland area have been extensively studied in terms of percentage area coverage, species diversity, mangrove health, community T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

26 composition and associated faunal and floral species. There are no mangrove or saltmarsh habitats likely to be impacted by the maintenance dredging. Subtidal / Nearshore The development of the Port and expansion of nearby industries since the 1960 s has resulted in the loss of benthic primary producer habitat (BPPH) (e.g. coral reefs, mangrove forests, intertidal saltmarshes etc.) in the Inner Harbour, primarily from capital dredging activities. Although rock and sediment substrata are able to support benthic primary producer (BPP) (e.g. mangroves, seagrass, corals etc.), often they do not. The majority of the subtidal benthic habitat within the harbour is characterised by unvegetated abotic substrata, with areas of sparse to medium density patches of BPPs in the form of turf and canopy algae, small foliaceous macro algae and sparsely distributed communities of soft and / or hard coral (FMG, 2004, SKM, 2008b, PHPA, 2010). Dense patches of canopy algae comprising Sargassum sp. are confined to the upper reaches of some of the creeks, however these mixed communities are likely to be transient populations, which occupy suitable substrata when the conditions are favourable. The low density of BPPs in the harbour is due to a variety of reasons such as turbidity, water depth, salinity, temperature, tidal movements and storm damage. Apart from the hard coral, these communities are thought not to be diverse and dominated by species which are fast growing and tolerant to the dynamic physical processes of the harbour. Their likely survival is probably due to the hydrodynamic conditions of the harbour that ensures excellent flushing and so rapid reductions of elevated TSS levels limiting the effect of excess sediment deposition on benthic habitats over time (PHPA, 2010a). Comprehensive subtidal habitat mapping surveys recorded no seagrass communities in the Inner Harbour (SKM, 2009b), at Spoil Grounds 7 and 9 (SKM (2011) and in and around Spoil Ground I (WorleyParsons, 2015). There are no seagrass beds likely to be impacted by the maintenance dredging. Offshore Benthic habitats offshore of Port Hedland comprise extensive plains of sand/silt with limited limestone pavement and ridges (SKM 2009). Many of the offshore limestone ridges run parallel to the coastline and support sparse assemblages of macroalgae, corals and sponges. Whilst the extensive plains of sand/silt are often bare of any sessile mega epibenthic taxa (such as coral and macroalgae) these habitats do support smaller infaunal species and surface dwelling echinoderms. Macroalgae occurs offshore on both hard and soft substrata and however its abundance varies among different habitats and according to season. Seagrasses are common in the Port Hedland area but do not form dense communities or meadows. Seagrasses documented in the literature for the study area are ephemeral species such as Halophila ovalis that form patches of low to medium density (SKM 2009, WorleyParsons 2013). A review of habitat mapping studies (URS 2005, SKM 2009, WorleyParsons 2013) suggest that the offshore maintenance dredging areas (including the Channel, CROP areas and Spoil Grounds) is comprised mostly of bare sediment, which is largely devoid of substrate suitable for colonization by BPPs. Corals, sponges and other sessile invertebrates are sparse, and only occur in patches where there is suitable hard substrata for colonisation Marine Fauna Marine fauna of the area includes both listed and non listed species. Of particular interest to the maintenance dredging program are the marine megafauna, including whales, dugongs T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

27 (Dugong dugon), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), flatback turtles (Natator depressus) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Many of these species potentially occur in or migrate through the area, but are unlikely to be dependent upon habitat within the dredging footprint for population maintenance. Port Hedland has known flatback turtle nesting beaches (Cemetery Beach and Pretty Pool Beach). The internesting habitat buffer zone that is critical to the survival of the species for flatback turtles is 60km (DotEE 2017). ). Spoil Ground I is within the interesting buffer zone for flatback turtles and is closest of the three Spoil Grounds to identified flatback turtle nesting areas. Potential impacts to turtles at Spoil Ground I would be confined to disposal activities as no dredging is to occur at this location. Dredging may impact upon turtles in terms of habitat modification and/or entrainment. The Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia (Commonwealth of Australia, 2017) identified dredging as a potential source of turtle injury and/ or mortality. There are a number of mechanisms for potential impact on turtles, and other marine megafuna, including: Direct impacts through entrainment, where animals are drawn into the dredge through the drag heads as a result of the suction used to collect sediment; Direct impacts though vessel strike where animals are physically struck by the dredge or associated vessels; Indirect impacts through destruction of food resources either through removal by the dredge or smothering with dredged material; and / or Indirect effects through increased turbidity or release of contaminants into the water column. Dredges can be a direct source of turtle mortality where animals become drawn into the dredge as a result of the suction applied through the process of removing sediments from the sea floor (entrainment). Entrainment is likely to be the only feasible pathway of impact on turtles and to a lesser extent other marine megafauna associated with maintenance dredging at Port Hedland. This should be considered as highly unlikely due to the suction field of influence being less than one metre (during dredging), and the protocols in place to only activate the drag heads when in close proximity to the seabed. The Action Plan for Turtles identified that, in Australia, the adoption of soft start guidelines for dredging means that direct mortality through dredge operations is only likely to affect individual turtles rather than cause a population or community level impact. Nonetheless the aim of the dredging operations is to have no impacts on turtles where at all possible. There are three main actions that can be taken to avoid entrainment of turtles. These are: 1. Provision of Marine Fauna Observers on the dredge; 2. Use of turtle deflector devices; 3. Avoidance of pumping unless drag head of the dredge is on the sea floor. The provision of Marine Fauna Observers allows the dredge to move away from areas when turtles, and other Marine Fauna are Observed in the area. Generally a condition of all dredging permits in Australia, this techniques has been widely adopted to assist in the reduction of dredging impacts. The use of a flexible chain deflectors attached to the drag heads to prevent entrainment of sea turtles during dredging operations has been widely adopted. These devices come into contact with any turtles that are on the sea floor in the pathway of the drag head. These turtles are then disturbed and swim away from the slow moving drag head thus reducing the potential for entrainment into the dredge. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

28 Habitat modification is not considered a key risk for maintenance dredging, as all dredging is being undertaken in previously disturbed areas and dumping is occurring in spoil grounds that have been selected based on their low environmental value. Direct mortality through entrainment in dredge equipment is only likely to affect individual turtles rather than impact species stocks (DotEE 2017). Controls to minimise entrainment include drag head management (in which the dredge pumps are only engaged when the drag head is positioned on the sea floor), turtle deflecting devices and marine fauna observer practices. Little research has been undertaken on the impacts of dredge spoil disposal as a direct form of impact on marine megafauna as it has been generally considered that this pathway of impact was very unlikely. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in their publication Synthesis Report on the Effects of Dredging on the Great Barrier Reef by an Independent Expert Panel (McCook et al., 2015 Table 5 p. 44) rated the potential for burial of megafauna as not applicable. Thus the independent panel GBRMPA assembled to consider this matter, did not consider that burial of turtles at the site of disposal was a plausible mechanism of impact. Whitlock et al. (2017) in their study of the effects of dredging on turtles in the Pilbara did not mention burial of turtles as an impact but referred to burial of habitat. Light and noise pollution from dredge vessels may also impact on foraging or nesting turtles or hatchlings. However these impacts are very acute, only lasting for the duration of each maintenance dredging campaign. Furthermore dredging is generally scheduled for August/September each year where possible, which avoids the typical flatback nesting season in Port Hedland Introduced Marine Pests Twenty two (22) introduced marine pest species (IMPs) have been identified within the Port and its surrounds (Huisman et al. 2008; PPA 2010), five (5) of which are included on the National Target List of Potential Introduced Marine Pest Species (NIMPIS, 2011). Since 2010 PPA has participated in the State Wide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP) previously the Early Warning System run by the Fisheries sector of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The primary aim of the program is to identify the presence of any target pest species listed on the Western Australian Prevention List for Introduced Marine Pests. Samples previously underwent traditional taxonomic identification, this did not identify any target species at Port Hedland. Since the SWASP was updated in 2016 samples now undergo DNA sequencing and results are compared to a database of listed species. Thus far there have been no highly probable detections of listed species. Strict adherence to quarantine and PPA s IMP management procedure will be a necessary requirement for any vessel associated with the maintenance dredging program. 4.3 Social and Economic Uses of the Area The waters surrounding the Port are used for both recreational and commercial fishing. Commercial fisheries in the immediate vicinity of the Port include: Pilbara Trap and Line Managed Fishery; Pilbara Fish Trawl Managed Fishery; Nickol Bay Prawn Managed Fishery; and Recreational fishing common around islands and reefs. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

29 All fisheries are considered sustainable (DoF 2016) and unlikely to be impeded by the shortterm dredging operations (6 8 weeks) associated with annual maintenance dredging programs. There are no existing or proposed marine parks or reserves which overlap the proposed dredging footprint or are expected to be impacted by the proposed maintenance dredging activities. Similarly, the dredging footprint does not contain any World Heritage Properties, National Heritage Properties or Ramsar Wetlands of International Significance. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

30 5. Impact Assessment 5.1 Environmental objectives The potential impacts of maintenance dredging on environmental, social and amenity values of the area were documented in a risk assessment and reviewed by the TACC. The process for undertaking the risk assessment and the results are presented in Appendix B. Environmental objectives, or management goals were drawn from the Western Australian government s Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives (WA EPA 2016a) and the Technical Guidelines Environmental Impact Assessment of Marine Dredging Proposals (WA EPA, 2016b). These objectives provide a framework against which the environmental performance of the proposed dredging can be measured (Table 5 1). The Technical Guidance seeks minimise the impact of dredging on: direct loss of benthic communities and habitats by removal or burial; indirect impacts on benthic communities and habitats from the effects of sediments introduced to the water column by the dredging and disposal; shorelines, bathymetry and habitats through modified ecological and physical processes; introduction of invasive pest species translocated in dredging (or ancillary) equipment that can have both ecological and economic consequences; adverse effects of contaminant release and dispersion (including impacts associated with reclamation or onshore disposal of acid sulphate soils) on marine environmental quality; conflict with fisheries and impacts on fish, their habitats and fisheries production; changes to coastal processes and water circulation that impact on the environmental values of the coast and coastal waters; and impacts on the behaviour and survival of marine wildlife, including specially protected species. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

31 Table 5-1: Environmental Factors and Objectives that may be influenced by maintenance dredging. Theme Factor Objective Sea Benthic Communities and Habitat Coastal Processes Marine Environmental Quality Marine Fauna To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. To maintain the geophysical processes that shape coastal morphology so that the environmental values of the coast are protected. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that environmental values are protected. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. People Social surroundings To protect social surroundings from significant harm. Human Health Heritage To protect human health from significant harm. To ensure that historical and cultural associations are not adversely affected. 5.2 Risk to Environmental Objectives Drawing upon existing data and information, and consultation with stakeholders and specialists, the environmental risk assessment was conducted to analyse the potential risks to identified environmental receptors from the maintenance dredging activities. The risk assessment considered the proposed annual maintenance dredging program for the Port, and the contingency scenarios to identifying the risks and control actions. The environmental quality objectives identified in Table 5 1 were considered through evaluation of existing information and in the risk assessment process, and subsequently the risk of a failure to meet the objectives was determined. Full details of the risk assessment are provided in Appendix B and key risk summarised here. The only risk which may require management actions in excess of the standard operational procedures was entrainment of turtles and other marine megafauna during dredging operations. All other identified risks were considered low, being managed through what would be considered standard operations procedures. The management actions are detailed in Section 6. There are also a series of management actions to manage potential adverse impacts to marine environmental quality and these are also detailed in Section 6. The risk assessment is provided in full in Appendix B. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

32 6. Monitoring and Management Plans The following sections details specific actions for the management of environmental values and receptors during the annual maintenance dredging campaigns. The only risk which may require management actions in excess of standard operational procedures was entrainment of turtles and other marine megafauna during dredging operations. All other environmental values identified were considered to be at low risk, and can be suitably managed through standard best practice procedures under a business as usual model. Table 6 1 provides the framework for each monitoring and management plan. Table 6-1: Environmental monitoring and management plan framework Element Objective Management Action Responsibility Timing Measures Reporting Target Contingency Description What is intended to be achieved. The actions required to assist in meeting the objective. These can be single actions or multiple liked actions to address the objective. Who is responsible for implementing the actions. The time period when the management actions need to be implemented. The metrics for recording the outcomes. The way in which the compliance with the management actions and outcomes are reported. The thresholds, which, if exceeded, require differed management actions (contingency) to be implemented. Actions to be undertake if the management action is not met. Using the framework presented in Table 6 1, six environmental management plans (Section 6.1 to Section 6.6) have been developed to guide the maintenance dredging programs. These include: Marine mega fauna (including turtles); Benthic habitats; Marine hydrocarbon pollution; Marine water and sediment quality; Introduced marine pests; and Shipboard waste. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

33 6.1 Environmental management plan for marine megafauna (including turtles) Risk Area Value(s) Objective(s) Marine megafauna (including turtles) Marine fauna To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained Task Action Responsibility Timing Management Actions Internal training of Marine Fauna Observer(s) (MFO), which provides clear direction on: The area that comprises the monitoring zone 2, being the area within a 300 metre radius of the dredge vessel; How to identify marine megafauna (i.e. whales, dolphins, dugong, turtles) that are known or likely to be encountered within the Port; The actions to be undertaken by the observer in the event of marine fauna being sighted within the monitoring zone; and The actions to be undertaken by the observer in the event of an incident resulting in injury or death of a marine species. Dredging Contractor Prior to commencement of dredging project Minimise impacts of the dredge through underwater noise through proper maintenance of equipment. Dredging Contractor At all times throughout dredging project Minimise impacts of light on fauna through the minimisation of unnecessary light sources not required for safe operation of the dredge. Dredging Contractor At all times throughout dredging project Prior to the commencement of the dumping activities, the dredging contractor must ensure that a check is undertaken, using binoculars from a high observation platform, for marine megafauna within the monitoring zone. If any marine megafauna are sighted in the monitoring zone, dumping activities must not commence until the marine megafauna is no longer observed in the monitoring zone, or the vessel is to move to another area of the disposal site to maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres between the vessel and any marine species. Dredging Contractor Prior to dredging activities, during daylight hours only 2 Refers to the area within a 300 metre radius of the vessel GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

34 Task Action Responsibility Timing Entrainment of turtles will be mitigated through fitting of TSHD drag heads with turtle tickler chains or similar. Dredge pumps will be stopped as soon as practicable after the drag head is lifted from the sea floor to minimise potential for intake of marine megafauna, and then only re-engaged once in close proximity to the seabed floor. Dredging Contractor Dredging Contractor During dredging During dredging Ongoing internal training of MFOs as required to ensure that a trained MFO is always available. Dredging Contractor At appropriate times throughout dredging project Measures Number of reported incidents involving marine fauna. Dredging Contractor During Dredging Reporting / Evidence MFO training package and training/attendance record for each MFO. Dredging Contractor Prior to and throughout project A log detailing all marine fauna observations within the monitoring zone (during daylight operations only) shall be maintained. The log shall include (as a minimum) the following information: date, name of MFO, time (commencement of pre-dumping observations), time (completion of predumping observations), whether marine megafauna was sighted in the monitoring zone during the pre-dumping monitoring period, type of marine species identified (where possible), general comments on animal behaviour, description of mitigation measures undertaken (e.g. location of fauna monitored until it exited the monitoring zone. Dumping did not occur until fauna exited the monitoring zone), time (commencement of dumping) and time (completion of dumping). Report any incidents involving the dredging or dumping activities that result in injury or death to any marine megafauna to PPA Dredging and Survey Manager and PPA Environment department as soon as practicable but within 12 hours. Record the date, time and nature of each incident as well as a description of the species involved. Notify DotEE of any incidents involving the dredging or dumping activities that result in injury or death to any marine megafauna. Dredging Contractor Dredging Contractor PPA Environment and Heritage Manager Throughout dredging and disposal activities As soon as practicable after an incident is observed, but within 12 hours Within 48 hours from the time that the incident occurred. Target No injury or death to any marine megafauna. Dredging Contractor Throughout the project T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

35 Task Action Responsibility Timing Contingency Completion of detailed incident analysis and implementation of any corrective measures in consultation with DotEE. PPA Environment and Heritage Manager ASAP after an incident has occurred T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

36 6.2 Environmental management plan for benthic habitats Risk Area Benthic habitats Value(s) 1. Marine Environmental Quality 2. Benthic Communities and Habitat 3. Marine Fauna Objective(s) 1. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that the environmental values, both ecological and social, are protected. 2. To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. 3. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. Task Action Responsibility Timing Management Actions Dredge hopper doors and seals to be inspected and maintained to prevent loss of dredge spoil during transport. Dredging Contractor Prior to dredging commencing Dredge spoil to only be dumped within the area allocated by PPA, inside the designated Spoil Grounds listed within the SDP. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Dredge spoil shall be dumped in a manner that minimises mounding. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Dredge hoppers to only be washed within boundaries of the designated Spoil Grounds. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Measures Dredging only occurs within nominated foot print. Dredging Contractor Throughout project All dredge spoil dumped within designated Spoil Grounds. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Reporting / Evidence Plotting sheets or a certified extract of the ship s log which shall include (as a minimum): the dates and times of when each dumping run commenced and finished; the track of all dredge vessels (as determined by GPS) during: (a) dredging activities, and (b) transit between the dredging area(s) and the nominated spoil ground (s); and the position (as determined by GPS) of the dumping vessel at the commencement of dumping (i.e. hopper doors opened) and at the completion of dumping (i.e. hopper doors closed), including the path / track taken during dumping. Dredging Contractor Throughout project GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

37 Task Action Responsibility Timing Minutes of contractor meetings PPA Dredging and Survey Manager Following Meeting Undertake bathymetric survey of the disposal site (by a suitably qualified person). PPA Dredging and Survey Manager Prior to dredging; and Following completion of dumping Target No direct disturbance outside approved dredging footprint and designated Spoil Grounds with minimal mounding of spoil within the Spoil Grounds Dredging Contractor Throughout project Contingency Investigate and report any breaches of dredge material placement to DotEE and commence processes to investigate any impact. PPA ASAP after breach is identified T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

38 6.3 Environmental management plan for marine hydrocarbon pollution Risk Area Marine hydrocarbon pollution Value(s) 1. Marine Environmental Quality 2. Benthic Communities and Habitat 3. Marine Fauna Objective(s) 1. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that the environmental values, both ecological and social, are protected. 2. To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. 3. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. Task Action Responsibility Timing Management Actions Dredge vessels shall have and implement a Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP), including having spill control equipment/materials available on board. Dredging Contractor Throughout project All equipment on board to be maintained and inspected in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations or dredging contractor s vessel management systems in order to minimise the risk of hydrocarbon leaks. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Measures Number of hydrocarbon spills to harbour. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Reporting / Evidence Report any discharge of hydrocarbons to the marine environment (irrespective of quantity / volume) to PPA Vessel Traffic Services without delay on or VHF Ch 12 or 16. Dredging Contractor Immediately All reports provided to WA DoT electronically via Pollution Report (POLREP) form. Dredging Contractor Immediately (but no later than 12 hours from the incident occurring) A documented report provided to the PPA Dredging and Survey Manager on the incident, including (as a minimum) details of the incident, the measures taken, the success of those measures in addressing the incident or risk and any additional measures proposed to be taken. Dredging Contractor Immediately (but no later than 12 hours from the incident occurring) Target No discharges of hydrocarbons to the marine environment. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Contingency Implement oil spill response measures in accordance with the requirements of PPA s Marine Pollution Contingency Plan for the Port of Port Hedland (A303545). PPA Immediately on notification of spill incident GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

39 6.4 Environmental management plan for marine water and sediment quality Risk Area Marine water and sediment quality Value(s) 1. Marine Environmental Quality 2. Benthic Communities and Habitat 3. Marine Fauna Objective(s) 1. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that the environmental values, both ecological and social, are protected. 2. To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. 3. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. Task Action Responsibility Timing Management Actions Prior to new subareas undergoing maintenance dredging, undertake marine sediment sampling and analysis to confirm suitability for unconfined ocean disposal. Undertaken annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to ensure information basis remains current (within 5 years old). PPA PPA Prior to undertaking maintenance dredging at new subareas Measures Sampling and analysis undertaken in accordance with the NAGD methods. PPA Throughout lifetime of SDP Annual Reporting / Evidence Reporting / Evidence Target Contingency Sampling and analysis plan (SAP) and SAP Implementation Report to be reviewed by suitably qualified person. PPA Prior to undertaking annual maintenance dredging program Field sheets, chains of custody and SAP implementation report Environmental consultant During marine sediment sampling Maintain current (within 5 years old) marine sediment quality data over the life of this SDP. Undertake wide scale marine sediment sampling and analysis prior to application for new SDP. PPA PPA Throughout lifetime of SDP Prior to application for new SDP. GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

40 6.5 Environmental management plan for Introduced Marine Pests Risk Area Introduced Marine Pests Value(s) 1. Benthic Communities and Habitat 2. Marine Fauna 3. Marine Environmental Quality Objective(s) 1. To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. 2. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. 3. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that the environmental values, both ecological and social, are protected. Task Action Responsibility Timing Management Actions Vessel risk assessment will be submitted to PPA for all dredging and support vessels prior to entering Port Hedland waters, in accordance with PPA s Port of Port Hedland Introduced Marine Species Risk Assessment Procedure (A320960). Dredging Contractor Prior to vessel(s) entering the Port of Port Hedland WA DPIRD Fisheries Vessel Check risk assessment ( submitted to Fisheries and PPA for all dredging and support vessels that mobilise to the Port of Port Hedland from interstate or international waters. Dredging Contractor Prior to vessel(s) entering Australian / Western Australian waters All vessels will have a ballast water management plan and ballast water exchanges will be in accordance with IMO requirements and the Biosecurity Act Dredging Contractor Prior to vessel(s) entering Australian waters Measures Vessel risk assessment undertaken for all vessels entering Port Hedland waters. Dredging Contractor Prior to vessel(s) entering the Port of Port Hedland Ballast water exchanges undertaken in accordance with IMO requirements. Dredging Contractor Prior to vessel(s) entering the Port of Port Hedland Reporting / Evidence PPA vessel risk assessment. DPIRD Fisheries Vessel Check report. Dredging Contractor Prior to vessel(s) entering the Port of Port Hedland Any supporting documentation including antifoul certificates and inspection reports. Target No introductions or movement of marine pests. Dredging Contractor Throughout project. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

41 Task Action Responsibility Timing Contingency Notify DPIRD if the introduction of a marine pest species is suspected. Dredging Contractor Immediately T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

42 6.6 Environmental management plan for shipboard waste Risk Area Discharge of Shipboard Waste Value(s) 1. Marine Environmental Quality 2. Benthic Communities and Habitat 3. Marine Fauna Objective(s) 1. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that the environmental values, both ecological and social, are protected. 2. To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. 3. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. Task Action Responsibility Timing Management Actions All vessels to comply with the waste disposal guidelines presented in the Port of Port Hedland Port Handbook. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Discharge of treated / disinfected sewage allowed within Port waters only if: the treatment / disinfection system is approved in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 Convention Annex IV (sewage); Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations PPA has been provided a copy of the International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate; The treatment / disinfection system is maintained to ensure it is efficient and fully operational; PPA has granted approval for the vessel to discharge treated / disinfected sewage between 3 and 12 nautical miles from nearest land; and Vessel speed is greater than 4 knots and no visible floating solids or discolouration are produced by the discharge. Vessels from international waters must comply with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources biosecurity requirements with regards to garbage disposal. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Controlled waste, including hydrocarbons and oily water, not to be discharged to sea. Controlled waste shall be disposed of ashore via licenced controlled waste contractor, and waste tracking sheets to be retained. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

43 Solid and liquid wastes and hazardous materials shall be stored in appropriately labelled drums or tanks and be correctly disposed of and not discharged to the environment. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Measures Number of incidents where waste has entered the marine environment. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Reporting / Evidence Certificate to demonstrate sewage treatment / disinfection system is approved in accordance with MARPOL and International Sewage Prevention Certificate provided to PPA. Dredging Contractor Prior to sewage discharge Vessel garbage disposal log for all discharges to sea or shore. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Waste delivery receipts for all discharges to shore. Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Controlled waste tracking forms for controlled waste (hydrocarbons and oily water). Any incident of discharge (eg. uncontrolled or unauthorised) of solid or liquid wastes to the marine environment (irrespective of quantity / volume) shall be reported to PPA Vessel Traffic Services without delay on or VHF Ch 12 or 16. A documented report on any solid or waste spill incident shall be submitted to PPA s Dredging and Survey Manager, including (as a minimum) details of the incident, the response measures taken, the success of those measures in addressing the incident or risk and any additional measures proposed to be taken. Dredging Contractor Dredging Contractor Dredging Contractor Duration of dredging operations Immediately Within 12 hours of a reportable incident. Target No unauthorised discharges of wastes to the marine environment. Dredging Contractor Throughout project Contingency Implement waste cleanup and/or other corrective actions as required by PPA. Dredging Contractor Throughout project T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

44 7. Overall Roles and Responsibilities Roles and responsibilities are described in Table 7 1. The dredging contractor(s) is responsible for the organisation of the environmental management including appropriate staffing of the dredge in accordance with PPA contract conditions, the LTDMP and the Sea Dumping Permit. Table 7-1: Positions and responsibilities for the maintenance dredging operations at the Port of Port Hedland Position PPA Dredging and Survey Manager PPA Environment and Heritage Manager Dredge Contractor(s) Responsibility Overall responsibility for implementation of the LTDMP. Overall responsibility for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and guidelines. Ensures dredging activities are conducted in an efficient and safe manner. Overall responsibility for environmental monitoring and reporting. Responsible for notifying DotEE for any non-compliances with the SDP. Responsible for providing advice on compliance with relevant legislation, standards and guidelines. Responsible for undertaking audits to ensure compliance with the SDP and this LTDMP. Develops and implements an operational environmental management plan consistent with and aligned to this LTDMP. Ensures adequate staffing levels and that all personnel are equipped with training appropriate to their area of responsibility. Compliance and reporting with the requirements of the LTDMP, SDP and the contract with PPA. Ensures that all equipment is adequately maintained and properly operated to minimise risk of environmental or safety incident. Project Personnel Act in accordance with the requirements of the LTDMP. Exercise a Duty of Care to the environment at all times. Report all environmental incidents to supervisor immediately. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

45 8. 8. Audit and Review PPA will undertake audits of the dredge contractor and their operations as required throughout the project, to assess compliance against this LTDMP and the SDP. The performance of the dredging operations against these requirements will be reported to the Port Hedland TACC at scheduled meetings of the TACC. This LTDMP will be reviewed as required and any material changes submitted to DotEE for consideration and approval. T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

46 9. References BHP Billiton (2011) Public Environmental Review/Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed Outer Harbour Development, Port Hedland Western Australia. CRIMP (1999) Introduced Species Survey, Port Hedland Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared by the CSIRO Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Pests (CRIMP). CSIRO Marine Research, Hobart. vi + 46 pp. DEC (2006) Background quality of the marine sediments of the Pilbara coast. Department of Environment and Conservation, Marine Technical Report Series, No. MTR 1. DotEE (2017) Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia. Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra DSEWPaC (2009) National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging (NAGD). Department of, Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of the Environment and Energy), Canberra. Environmental Protection Authority (2016a), Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives, EPA, Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority (2016b), Technical Guidance Environmental Impact Assessment of Marine Dredging Proposals, EPA, Western Australia. GHD (2016) Port of Port Hedland Long Term Dredge Material Management Sampling and Analysis Plan Implementation Report. Report to PPA August Huisman JM, Jones DS, Wells, FE and Burton T (2008) Introduced Marine Biota in Western Australian Waters. Records of the Western Australian Museum 24: PHPA (2010) Port Hedland Port Authority South West Creek Dredging Approvals. Marine Pest Investigation. PROJECT EN REP September SKM (2009a) Port Hedland Outer Harbour Development Marine Benthic Habitat Survey. Report to BHP Billiton, 07 Dec SKM (2009b) Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Report. Report to BHP Billiton, 18 September SKM (2011a) Port Hedland Outer Harbour Development Sea Dumping Application. Report to BHP Billiton, 15 Feb SKM (2011b) Port Hedland Outer Harbour Sampling and Analysis Plan Implementation Report. Report to BHP Billiton, 11 Feb SKM (2011c) Port Hedland Outer Harbour Development Spoil Ground Selection Study. Report to BHP Billiton, 15 Feb URS (2004) Port Hedland Harbour and Shipping Channel Sediment Quality. URS, East Perth, Western Australia. URS (2005a). Environmental Monitoring 2004, Maintenance Dredging Campaign. URS, East Perth, Western Australia. URS (2005b). Letter: Maintenance Dredging Campaign; Environmental Monitoring Program 2005 Post Dredging Monitoring. Dated 11 November 2005 T GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

47 Appendices

48 Appendix A Port of Port Hedland Marine Environment Marine Water Quality Historic studies A number of water quality baseline and monitoring studies have been undertaken within the Port of Port Hedland limits in recent years, often in response to environmental management requirements prior to commencement of capital dredging and reclamation activities. This included various monitoring programmes within the Inner Harbour measuring turbidity (NTU) and total suspended solids (TSS) along with some photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) monitoring. These studies and recorded water quality are summarised in Table A1. T

49 Table A1: Summary of past turbidity and TSS monitoring within the Inner and Outer Harbour Proponent, Project and Reference Inner Harbour BHP Billiton PaCE (SKM, 2002) FMG (WorleyParsons, 2005) FMG (URS, 2008b) BHP Billiton RGP3 (SKM, 2007) BHP Billiton RGP5 Execution Phase (BHP Billiton IO, 2009a) BHP Billiton RGP6 Nelson Point (BHP Billiton, 2009; 2010b) BHP Billiton RGP6 Nelson Point (BHP Billiton, 2011a) Year Study Duration (months) 2002 Pre-, during and post-dredging monitoring with 2 loggers at Finucane Island wharf at surface and 1 m above seabed 2005 Turbidity logger deployed in Inner Harbour pre-dredging. TSS at 7 sites in Inner harbour Tailwater monitoring in South West Creek and Salmon Creek pre- and during dredging 2007 Weekly turbidity measurements during dredging at a number of Inner Harbour sites 2008 Baseline water quality of Inner and Outer Harbour Baseline water quality at eight monitoring sites (three impact sites inside the harbour and five reference sites) Baseline water quality at eight monitoring sites (three impact sites inside the harbour and five reference sites) Overview 12 Turbidity ranged from 0-80 NTU with peaks during maximal tidally induced currents. Dredging increased seabed turbidity and marginally affected surface values. Operational activities (shipping and loading) not distinguishable from tidal induced patterns. 0.5 Turbidity ranged from NTU with an average of 80 NTU. Except for one high value (380 mg/l), TSS ranged from mg/l. 10 Turbidity ranged from 11 NTU to 18 NTU (80 th percentile). Tailwater discharge always below trigger value during periodic discharge and temporarily exceeded trigger values on several occasion during continuous discharge. Turbidity ranged from NTU which is more affected by shipping movements, tidal state and weather rather than dredging activities. 7 Daily median turbidity ranged from NTU. Mean TSS ranged from 2-50 mg/l, but was generally <20 mg/l. PAR ranged from 23,060 23,141 µmol/m 2 /day. Variability influenced by tidal regime, shipping activity, local geomorphology and cyclonic events. 16 Median of turbidity logger measurements ranged from NTU and NTU at impact and reference sites, respectively. TSS ranged from mg/l. 12 (dredging) 7 (dewatering) Turbidity loggers did not record any breaches that required management responses. All turbidity peaks at the outfall site were short-lived and appropriate response actioned. Turbidity and TSS in the harbour were strongly influenced by tidal regimes, local geomorphology, shipping activity and cyclonic events.

50 Proponent, Project and Reference PPA South West Creek Cyclone Moorings (WorleyParsons, 2010a) PPA South West Creek Cyclone Moorings (WorleyParsons, 2011a) PPA South West Creek Dredging and Reclamation (WorleyParsons, 2011c, 2011d) PPA South West Creek Dredging and Reclamation (WorleyParsons, 2011e) PPA South West Creek Dredging and Reclamation (WorleyParsons, 2011f, 2011g) Year Study Duration (months) 2010 Preliminary baseline monitoring at two inshore sites during the wet season Overview 6 Daily median and 80 th percentile values at the 2 sites ranged from NTU and NTU, respectively Baseline monitoring at four inshore sites 2 Turbidity medians, and 80 th, 95 th and 99 th %iles are: 2011 Construction monitoring at three to four inshore sites present Baseline water quality monitoring at six inshore sites (two reference, two dewatering, two dredging impact) Water quality monitoring at six inshore sites SWC (impact): 12.4,20.4, 34.6, 61.5 NTU SEC (impact): 16.9, 31.3, 67.0, 89.2 NTU SOL (reference): 17.6, 38.2, 67.3, 98.3 NTU OYS (reference): 5.7, 8.6, 18.2, 32.7 NTU 4 Spring/neap cycle tidal median turbidity NTU values reported for inshore sites. Turbidity peaks at all impact sites coincided with natural conditions that were reflected at reference sites. Turbidity breaches requiring management response occurred at one inshore (impact) site. 2-6 (Inshore) 6 (Inshore Discharge) Turbidity medians, and 80 th, 95 th and 99 th %iles are: Dredging SEC (impact): 18.5, 32, 72.3, 165 NTU Dredging SWC (impact): 11.7, 18.3, 29.9, 53.1 NTU Inshore OSC (reference): 6.5, 11.1, 24, 64.4 NTU Inshore SOL (reference): 27.8, 63, 115.7, NTU 4 No exceedances of trigger values at inshore impact sites, although minor short-term threshold breaches coincided with spring tidal cycle. No management actions required.

51 Proponent, Project and Reference Outer Harbour PPA South West Creek Cyclone Moorings (WorleyParsons, 2011b) PPA South West Creek Cyclone Moorings (WorleyParsons, 2011c 2011d) PPA South West Creek Dredging and Reclamation (WorleyParsons, 2011e) PPA South West Creek Dredging and Reclamation (WorleyParsons, 2011f; 2011g) BHP Billiton Outer Harbour Development (GHD, 2010) PPA CROP and 2017 Maintenance dredging campaign Year Study Duration (months) Overview 2010 Baseline monitoring at three offshore sites 2 Turbidity medians, and 80 th, 95 th and 99 th %iles are: 2011 Construction monitoring at three to four offshore sites Baseline water quality monitoring at four offshore sites during the wet season (Jan. 2011) 2011 Water quality monitoring at four offshore sites during construction Water quality monitoring (turbidity, PAR, gross sedimentation) by SKM at two offshore sites at Weerdee Island and Minilya Bank in relative proximity to Spoil Ground I 2017 Water quality monitoring at selected sensitive receptors (Minilya Bank and Spoil Ground Reef). Spoil Ground Reef (impact): 7.1, 8.7, 11.1, 16.4 NTU Minilya Bank (impact): 3.5, 4.8, 6.2, 8.4 NTU Little Turtle Island (reference): 13.5, 17.3, 23, 29 NTU 4 Spring/neap cycle tidal median turbidity NTU values reported for offshore sites. Turbidity peaks at all impact sites coincided with natural conditions that were reflected at reference sites. Turbidity breaches requiring management response occurred at one offshore (impact) site (Offshore) Turbidity medians, and 80 th, 95 th and 99 th %iles are: SGR (impact): 7.1, 8.7, 11.1, 16.4 NTU MIN (impact): 3.5, 4.8, 6.2, 8.4 NTU LTR (reference): 13.5, 17.3, 23, 29 NTU WIS (reference): 5.2, 6.6, 11, 22.4 NTU 4 No exceedances of trigger values at offshore impact sites, although minor short-term threshold breaches coincided with spring tidal cycle. No management actions required. 22 The nearly 2-year continuous record of turbidity, PAR and gross sedimentation rates identify differences between the wet and dry seasons. Median, 80 th and 95 th percentiles estimated for total measurement record as well as the wet and dry seasons. 2 No exceedances of trigger values.

52 Marine Sediments Historic studies Since 1990, the sediments of the Port of Port Hedland ( Port ) and surrounding marine areas have been widely sampled and as such, there is considerable reliable information with which to characterise their chemical and physical properties. A summary of these studies is provided as Table A3. Based on historic sampling, sediments in the Inner Harbour are comprised mostly of silt and clay, with varying mixtures of medium sand, coarse sand and gravel. Sediments in the offshore region (including the Channel, CROP areas and spoil grounds) are comprised mostly of medium to coarse grained sand and shell fragments (SKM, 2009). Metals are the only contaminants that may be of concern in the sediments that are proposed to be dredged under annual maintenance dredging campaigns. Several metals naturally occur in the marine sediments of the Pilbara at levels in excess of the screening (low) levels of the National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging (2009) (NAGD) (DEC, 2006). In particular arsenic, nickel, cadmium and chromium are frequently found in elevated concentrations across the marine sediments of the Pilbara (DEC 2006), and have been recorded in excess of the NAGD screening level (low) within the dredging footprint. Table A2: Summary of historic sediment sampling in and around the Channel of the Port of Port Hedland Year Study Location Comments 1997 BHP Harbour and Channel sites Potential contaminants within the Channel were either below screening guidelines, or within natural background ranges that occur in the Port Hedland region BHP Billiton As above, plus eight subtidal sites, adjacent to the export wharves (including Nelson Point, Finucane Island Wharf and Wharf No. 1 and entrance Channel). Reference location sampled on each occasion Reported in URS (2004) Table A2 the sampling appears to have involved the collection of single samples at various locations. Statistical analysis was not therefore possible Sea Dumping Application 2003 URS Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) for Maintenance Dredging Harbour and Channel Shipping Channel Inner Harbour Nelson Point Wharf No. 3 Western Turning Basin Wharf No. 1 Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper lead, mercury, zinc and tributyltin were below NAGD (low) screening levels. Nickel was above screening levels at the majority of sample sites, but comparable to background levels. Small study included toxicity testing by Curtin University that concluded that the amphipod and mollusc bioassays that were (the only ones) undertaken showed the sediments to be not more toxic than reference sediment. All Channel sediments had metals below NAGD (low) screening levels.

53 Year Study Location Comments 2004 URS Harbour and Shipping Channel Reference Location (RS09) NAGD (low) screening levels were exceeded by the 95% UCL concentrations for: Arsenic in the Channel Chromium at Nelson Point and No 3 Wharf Nickel in almost all areas Tributyltin at Nelson Point, No 3 wharf and No 1 wharf approach No exceedances of Tributyltin were found in the shipping Channel, however only four samples were tested for Tributyltin thus precluding statistical analysis PPA Maintenance Dredging SAP implementation* 2011 BHP Billiton Outer Harbour Development 2012 Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging 2015 Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging 2016 Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging Harbour and Channel and Spoil Ground I Large areas in the offshore areas around Port Hedland including the Spoil Grounds. Harbour and Channel and Spoil Ground I Anderson Point, Stanley Point and Spoil Ground I Channel Inner Harbour, various berth pockets and Spoil Ground I extension Exceedances of NAGD (low) screening levels of arsenic, tributyltin, nickel and copper in berth pockets with exceedances of arsenic and nickel in Channel sediments. Elutriate and bioavailability testing was undertaken and all sediments were approved as suitable to be disposed of to Spoil Ground I. 95% UCLs for all metals, tributyltin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were below screening levels. Exceedances of NAGD screening level (low) for arsenic, nickel and chromium in almost all areas sampled. Exceedances of NAGD screening level (low) for arsenic, nickel and chromium. No exceedances of any other parameters. Exceedances of NAGD screening level (low) for arsenic, nickel and chromium. No exceedances of any other parameters CROP CROP dredging areas and the two proposed Spoil Grounds Exceedances of NAGD screening level (low) for arsenic and nickel. No exceedances of any other parameters SAP Sediments Data on the properties of the sediments in and around the maintenance dredging areas and the three proposed Spoil Grounds were obtained during the implementation of the approved Sampling and Analysis Plan (MScience 2017). The results of the SAP implementation are described in detail by MScience (2017), and summarised below. Sediments from Nelson Point and Finucane Island all had concentrations of COPC below NAGD screening levels (interim sediment quality guidelines or ISQG trigger values) for ocean disposal. The PH 1 & 2 berths recorded generally higher levels of all COPC. In particular, barium, copper, manganese and tributyl tin (TBT) were above NAGD Phase II guidelines for ocean disposal at PH 1 & 2. Comparison with background (spoil ground) concentrations from recent surveys (GHD 2016; Jacobs 2017) indicated manganese was below background levels however barium, copper and TBT were not; triggering the requirement to conduct Phase III investigations of sediment quality. High concentrations of copper have been recorded in these berths since 1990 when export of copper concentrate commenced (GHD 2016). Levels of copper have however declined from values recorded in 2012 sediments, which were assessed and ultimately found suitable for unconfined ocean disposal.

54 Manganese has been exported through Port Hedland since 1952 and while manganese concentrations at PH 1 & 2 berths had fallen compared to past surveys, they remained above NAGD screening guidelines. Barium levels had risen at PH 1 & 2 berths in recent years and were above NAGD screening guidelines for all sites. However, neither element is recognised commonly as having a high ecotoxicity risk and neither should be viewed as a contaminant of concern in this area. Nickel concentrations at all sites were higher than the recommended NAGD screening levels, but were determined to be of low risk as their mean levels were less than the 80 th percentile of nickel in the background data (GHD 2016; Jacobs 2017) when normalised to an indicator of the metals binding capacity of sediments at spoil grounds. Nickel commonly exceeds screening guidelines within the nearshore Pilbara sediments and has been shown to be strongly correlated to the amount of fines in sediments. Past investigations have shown nickel to be tightly bound to these sediments with such low bioavailability as to cause negligible environmental risk (DEC 2006; Worley Parsons 2012a; GHD 2016). Phase III investigations using dilute acid extraction and elutriate assay for barium, copper, manganese and nickel showed that the sediment concentrations of these contaminants met either the NAGD screening guidelines or the ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) water quality guidelines, thus showing concentrations of these contaminants did not pose an impediment for unconfined ocean disposal. Other than TBT, organic contaminants were not detected at levels above the NAGD guidelines. TBT values exceeded Phase II guidelines at PH 1 & 2 berths but were less than the screening level at Nelson Point and Finucane Island. As TBT concentrations at PH 1&2 berths were above background concentration, Phase III testing was recommended for TBT. The results of the TBT elutriate analyses carried out as part of the Phase III testing showed that after dilution, TBT concentrations in the water column were below the 95% species protection trigger guideline provided in ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000). Biological Environment Marine Habitats Marine habitats are structured by benthic primary producers (BPPs) organisms that use light to produce energy through photosynthesis. BPP marine species that photosynthesise include marine algae (macro algae, turf algae, and benthic micro algae), mangroves, seagrass and corals. Examples of benthic primary producer habitats (BPPHs) include coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, intertidal mud flats that support mangroves, intertidal algal mat communities, intertidal saltmarshes, algal dominated rocky reefs, and algal dominated biogenic reefs. This section provides an overview of these habitats within the Inner Harbour (intertidal and subtidal) and Outer Harbour (offshore) which focus on the proposed dredging and disposal areas. Intertidal The coastal marine habitats found in the Inner Harbour are similar to those found along the Pilbara coastline in similar settings. Dense stands of mangroves occupy areas within the intertidal zone, where tidal inundation is sufficiently frequent to maintain sedimentation and salinity levels that allow for colonisation by mangroves. With increasing distance from the shoreline, the height and cover of mangrove vegetation decreases, giving way to open hypersaline tidal flats where halophytic communities occur as the sediments are dryer and more saline (Saenger, 2002; Beard, 1975). The tidal flats are large open bare areas with scattered mangrove shrubs, typically Avicennia marina, and saltmarsh (samphire) species (ENV, 2010). The tidal flats are different from the intertidal flats in that they are not subject to extensive tidal flows and are not regularly inundated by the tide (ENV, 2010). Some areas between the mangrove and samphire dominated habitats of the upper intertidal zone

55 support cyanobacterial mats under suitable conditions (Paling et al., 1986; Paling et al., 2003; SKM, 2009b). The mangrove and other intertidal habitats in the Port Hedland area have been extensively studied in terms of percentage area coverage, species diversity, mangrove health, community composition and associated faunal and floral species. There are no mangrove or saltmarsh habitats likely to be impacted by the maintenance dredging. Subtidal / Nearshore The development of the Port of Port Hedland and expansion of nearby industries since the 1960 s has resulted in the loss of BPPH in the Inner Harbour, primarily from capital dredging activities. Although rock and sediment substrata are able to support BPP communities, often they do not. The majority of the subtidal benthic habitat within the harbour is characterised by unvegetated abotic substrata, with areas of sparse to medium density patches of BPPs in the form of turf and canopy algae, small foliaceous macro algae and sparsely distributed communities of soft and / or hard coral (FMG, 2004, SKM, 2008b, PHPA, 2010a). Dense patches of canopy algae comprising Sargassum sp. are confined to the upper reaches of some of the creeks, however these mixed communities are likely to be transient populations, which occupy suitable substrata when the conditions are favourable. The low density of BPPs in the harbour is due to a variety of reasons such as turbidity, water depth, salinity, temperature, tidal movements and storm damage. Apart from the hard coral, these communities are thought not to be diverse and dominated by species which are fast growing and tolerant to the dynamic physical processes of the harbour. Their likely survival is probably due to the hydrodynamic conditions of the harbour that ensures excellent flushing and so rapid reductions of elevated TSS levels limiting the effect of excess sediment deposition on benthic habitats over time (PHPA, 2010a). A comprehensive subtidal habitat mapping survey recorded no seagrass communities in the Inner Harbour (SKM, 2009b). There are no seagrass beds likely to be impacted by the maintenance dredging. Offshore Benthic habitats offshore of Port Hedland comprise extensive plains of sand/silt with limited limestone pavement and ridges (SKM 2009). Many of the offshore limestone ridges run parallel to the coastline and support sparse assemblages of macroalgae, corals and sponges. Whilst the extensive plains of sand/silt are often bare of any sessile mega epibenthic taxa (such as coral and macroalgae) these habitats do support smaller infaunal species and surface dwelling echinoderms. Macroalgae occurs offshore on both hard and soft substrata and however its abundance varies among different habitats and according to season. Seagrasses are common in the Port Hedland area but do not form dense communities or meadows. Seagrasses documented in the literature for the study area are ephemeral species such as Halophila ovalis that form patches of low to medium density (SKM 2009, WorleyParsons 2013). A review of habitat mapping studies (SKM 2009, WorleyParsons 2013) suggest that the offshore maintenance dredging areas (including the Channel, CROP areas and Spoil Grounds) is comprised mostly of bare sediment, which is largely devoid of suitable benthic primary producer habitat (BPPH). Corals, sponges and other sessile invertebrates are sparse, and only occur in patches where there is suitable hard substrata for colonisation. Marine Fauna Marine fauna of the area includes both listed and non listed species. Of particular interest to the maintenance dredging is the marine megafauna, including whales, dugongs (Dugong dugon), green

56 turtles (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), flatback turtles (Natator depressus) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). A search of the EPBC Protected Matters Database identified a number of threatened marine faunal species and listed migratory marine faunal species that may potentially occur within and / or within the vicinity of the dredging and disposal operations. The search also revealed a further 64 Marine Species and 12 Cetaceans listed as Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act. These include the above mentioned marine megafauna, sharks, sea snakes and migratory birds that potentially occur in or migrate through the area. An assessment of the likelihood of occurrence (Table A3) in the dredging footprint was undertaken for all species returned by the EPBC protected matters search (Table A4). The assessment took into account previous records, species biology and habitat requirements through desktop assessment only. The likelihood of occurrence assessment concluded that many species may transit the area, but very few are likely to be dependent upon habitat within the dredging footprint for population maintenance. Thus, there are potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) however none of these impacts are considered to be significant. Table A3: Fauna likelihood of occurrence guidelines. Assessment outcome Present Likely Unlikely Highly unlikely Description Species recorded within the dredging footprint based on desktop searches. Species are likely to occur in the dredging footprint where there is likely to be suitable habitat within the dredging footprint and there are recent records of occurrence of the species in close proximity to the dredging footprint. OR Species known distribution overlaps with the dredging footprint and there is likely to be suitable habitat within the dredging footprint. Species assessed as unlikely include: Those species previously recorded within 10 km of the dredging footprint, however: OR There is likely to be limited habitat in the dredging footprint (i.e. the type, quality and quantity of the habitat is generally poor or restricted). The is likely to be suitable habitat within the dredging footprint, but its isolated from other areas of suitable habitat and the species has no capacity to migrate into the dredging footprint. Those species that have a known distribution overlapping with the dredging footprint, however: There is limited habitat in the dredging footprint (i.e. the type, quality and quantity of the habitat is generally poor or restricted). The is likely to be suitable habitat within the dredging footprint, but its isolated from other areas of suitable habitat and the species has no capacity to migrate into the dredging footprint Species that are considered highly unlikely to occur in the dredging footprint include: Those species that have no suitable habitat within the dredging footprint. Those species that have become locally extinct, or are not known to have ever been present in the region of the dredging footprint.

57 Table A4: Fauna listed under the EPBC Act within the Port footprint. Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact Birds Calidris canutus Red Knot En Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Cr Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot Cr Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover, Vu Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, En Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Limosa lapponica baueri Bar tailed Godwit (baueri) Vu Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Limosa lapponica menzbieri Northern Siberian Bar tailed Godwit, Cr Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant Petrel, En Highly Unlikely Pilbara not considered important habitat. No likely impacts from dredging activity. Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Cr Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe En Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species Anous stolidus Common Noddy Mi, Ma Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Apus pacificus Fork tailed Swift Mi, Ma Highly Unlikely Widespread throughout Australia, Pilbara not considered important habitat. No likely impacts from dredging activity.

58 Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret Mi, Ma Unlikely Recorded within the area. Widespread throughout Australia, Pilbara not considered important habitat. No likely impacts from dredging activity. Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Cr, Mi, Ma Unlikely Overflies the region on migration. Commonly found at Port Hedland saltworks. Port Hedland Harbour not likely to be important habitat. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird Mi, Ma Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Fregata minor Great Frigatebird Mi, Ma Unlikely Feeding and roosting can occur all along Pilbara Coast. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant Petrel E, Mi, Ma Unlikely The Southern Giant Petrel is marine bird that occurs in Antarctic to subtropical waters. In summer, it mainly occurs over Antarctic waters and the Pilbara is at the extreme northern end of its range. Breeding for this species occurs in the Antarctic. Threats include fishing practices and disturbance to breeding sites. The proposed dredging is not likely to have a significant impact on this species. Mitigation measures will be the same as for other cetacean species involving observers present during piling activities and observance of PPA speed limits. Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Cr, Mi, Ma Unlikely Overflies the region on migration. Has been recorded on the mudflats at Finucane Island. Port Hedland Harbour not likely to be important habitat. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Pandion haliaetus Osprey Mi, Ma Unlikely Widespread throughout Australia, Pilbara not considered important breeding habitat. Unlikely to be significant foraging habitat for this species in the areas. Project unlikely to have significant impacts on this species. Marine Mammals Balaenoptera acutorostrata Minke Whale Ce Unlikely The Port Hedland area boarders the northern extent of this species and thus the dredging activity is unlikely to constitute a significant impact on Minke Whales. The species may however pass through the area resulting in the risk of impact. Impacts would be largely confined to light impacts, collision with dredging and potential impacts on food supply. Food supply impacts are expected to be negligible, lighting from the dredge and barges will not significantly add to the light currently present at night within the Port. Risk of collision is already present within this busy

59 Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact port. Mitigation measures will be the same as for other cetacean species involving observers present during dredging activities and observance of PPA speed limits Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale Ce, Ma Unlikely The Pilbara Coast is not near any of the recognised aggregations areas for Bryde s Whale. Individuals may transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, Ce, Mi Unlikely The Pilbara Coast is not near any of the recognised Aggregations areas for the Blue Whale, the nearest of these is the Perth Canyon offshore from Perth WA (DEWHA, 2005). Individuals may transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Delphinus delphis Common Dolphin Ce Likely Common to Australian coastal waters. The area is unlikely to provide critical foraging habitats. Individuals may transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Dugong dugon Dugong Ma, Mi Likely Distribution of Dugongs in the Pilbara has not been well documented. Animals have been sighted within Port Hedland Harbour so must be considered possible that they could occur coincident with the timing of dredging. Risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Grampus griseus Risso s Dolphin Ce Likely Common to Australian coastal waters. The area is unlikely to provide critical foraging habitats. Individuals may transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale V, Ce, Mi Likely The Pilbara coast although not an identified aggregation area for Humpback whales is nonetheless part of the migratory route of this species. Individuals may transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales.

60 Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact Orcinus orca Killer Whale Ce, Mi Unlikely Pilbara region is within known range of the species. No identified linkages to region though may be associated with Humpback whale assemblages. An unlikely visitor to the area although individuals may be observed resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Sousa chinensis Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphin Ce, Mi Unlikely Occurs within area. Region is within known range of the species with resident populations at Ningaloo Reef and Barrow Island. Present throughout the year. Area unlikely to provide critical habitat thus impacts are unlikely. Individuals may however transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Stenella attenua Spotted Dolphin Ce Unlikely Typically observed in deeper waters (>200 m depth). Individuals may however transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations) Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Sea populations) Ce, Mi Unlikely Region is within known range of the species with resident populations at Shark Bay and Barrow Island. Present throughout the year. Area unlikely to provide critical habitat thus impacts area unlikely. Mitigation measures will be the same as for other cetacean species involving observers present during piling activities and observance of PPA speed limits Tursiops truncatus s. str. Bottlenose Dolphin Ce Likely Common to Australian coastal waters. The area is unlikely to provide critical foraging habitats. Individuals may however transit through the project area resulting in a risk of impacts from dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for Minke Whales. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Minke Whales. Reptiles Aipysurus apraefrontalis Short nosed Seasnake Cr Likely Endemic to the northwest marine region. Resident in the region throughout the year. This species has been recorded in along the Pilbara Coast. Main areas of occurrence appear to be Ashmore Reef, Exmouth Gulf and Hibernia Reef. Potential for significant impact on this species is considered very low. Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, Mi, Ma Likely Occurs within area. May be impacted by dredging activity, however, this species is not recorded as nesting at Port Hedland so the risks of disturbance of nesting activity is not relevant. Potential Impacts limited as excavator dredging will mean virtually no risk of entrainment into the

61 Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact dredge as may potentially occur with respect to other dredging plant with suction technology. Impacts would be largely confined to light impacts, collision with dredging and potential impacts on food supply. Food supply impacts are expected to be negligible, lighting from the dredge and barges will not significantly add to the light currently present at night within the port. Risk of collision is already present within this busy port. Mitigation measures will be the same as for marine mammal species involving observers present during piling activities and observance of PPA speed limits Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V, Mi, Ma Likely Occurs within area. May be impacted by dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for the Loggerhead turtle, however, this species is not recorded as nesting at Port Hedland so the risks of disturbance of nesting activity is not relevant. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Loggerhead turtle. Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle E, Mi, Ma Likely Occurs within area. May be impacted by dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for the Loggerhead turtle, however, this species is not recorded as nesting at Port Hedland so the risks of disturbance of nesting activity is not relevant. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Loggerhead turtle. Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle V, Mi, Ma Likely Occurs within area. May be impacted by dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for the Loggerhead turtle, however, this species is not recorded as nesting at Port Hedland so the risks of disturbance of nesting activity is not relevant. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Loggerhead turtle. Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V, Mi, Ma Likely Occurs within area. Breeding areas for the Flatback turtle occur at Port Hedland and breeding has occurred over the past few years. May be impacted by dredging activity via similar mechanisms to that identified for the Loggerhead turtle. Other impacts and mitigation measures as for Loggerhead turtle. Acalyptophis peronei Horned Seasnake Ma Unlikely A range of sea snakes have been identified by the Protected Matters Search Tool as Aipysurus apraefrontalis Short nosed Seasnake potentially occurring within the Port Hedland Region. For most of these species information about Aipysurus duboisii Dubois' Seasnake their distribution and ecology is lacking. Nonetheless it appears unlikely that there would be a Aipysurus eydouxii Spine tailed Seasnake significant impact on any of these species as a result of the dredging activity. Aipysurus laevis Olive Seasnake Astrotia stokesii Stokes' Seasnake Aipysurus tenuis Brown lined Seasnake Disteira kingii Spectacled Seasnake

62 Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact Disteira major Emydocephalus annulatus Ephalophis greyi Hydrelaps darwiniensis Hydrophis czeblukovi Hydrophis elegans Hydrophis mcdowelli Hydrophis ornatus Pelamis platurus Sharks Olive headed Seasnake Turtle headed Seasnake North western Mangrove Seasnake Black ringed Seasnake Fine spined Seasnake Elegant Seasnake Spotted Seasnake Yellow bellied Seasnake Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako Mi Unlikely Species recorded within the area but no important habitat present. Impacts likely to be minimal and confined to potential collision with barges and turbidity impacts during disposal. Adherence to PPA speed limits should see the risk of collision reduced and impacts of turbidity are likely to be negligible. Isurus paucus Longfin Mako Mi Unlikely Species recorded within the area but no important habitat present. Impacts likely to be minimal and confined to potential collision with barges and turbidity impacts during disposal. Adherence to PPA speed limits should see the risk of collision reduced and impacts of turbidity are likely to be negligible. Manta alfredi Reef Manta Ray Mi Unlikely Species recorded within the area but no important habitat present. Impacts likely to be minimal and confined to potential collision with barges and turbidity impacts during disposal. Adherence to PPA speed limits should see the risk of collision reduced and impacts of turbidity are likely to be negligible. Manta birostris Giant Manta Ray Mi Unlikely Species recorded within the area but no important habitat present. Impacts likely to be minimal and confined to potential collision with barges and turbidity impacts during disposal. Adherence to PPA speed limits should see the risk of collision reduced and impacts of turbidity are likely to be negligible. Pristis clavata Dwarf Sawfish V, Mi Unlikely Occurs in shallow (2 3 m) coastal waters and estuarine habitats along the Pilbara coastline. The project area is offshore in deeper waters and as such likelihood of occurrence and potential significant impacts on this species are low.

63 Species Common name EPBC Act Status Likelihood of occurrence and potential for significant impact Pristis zijsron Green Sawfish V, Mi Likely Species recorded within the area. Occurs in inshore marine waters, estuaries, river mouths, embankments and along sandy and muddy beaches. Possible that they could occur in the area coincident with the timing of dredging. The likelihood of occurrence and potential significant impacts on this species are considered low. Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V, Mi Unlikely Range of this species includes the Pilbara coast. Large seasonal aggregations occur at Ningaloo Reef and they are known to migrate through the region between March and June annually. Impacts likely to be minimal and confined to potential collision with barges and turbidity impacts during disposal. Adherence to PPA speed limits should see the risk of collision reduced and impacts of turbidity are likely to be negligible. Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark V Unlikely Species recorded within the area but no important habitat present. Impacts likely to be minimal and confined to potential collision with barges and turbidity impacts during disposal. Adherence to PPA speed limits should see the risk of collision reduced and impacts of turbidity are likely to be negligible. Pipefishes and Seahorses Acentronura larsonae Helen's Pygmy Pipehorse Ma Unlikely Pipefishes and Seahorses (Family Syngnathidae) are likely to occur within the area. Acentronura larsonae Helen's Pygmy Pipehorse Listed as marine species these are of uncertain conservation significance. Port Hedland harbour is Bulbonaricus brauni Braun's Pughead Pipefish unlikely to provide significant habitat for these species. Dredging has been identified as a Campichthys tricarinatus Three keel Pipefish potential threat largely due to habitat destruction. Minor population declines in seahorses and Choeroichthys brachysoma Pacific Short bodied Pipefish pipefishes, particularly endemic species, are possible3 as a result of dredging activities. Pipefishes Choeroichthys latispinosus Muiron Island Pipefish occupy a range of habitats however they largely prefer some degree of protection and thus favour Choeroichthys suillus Pig snouted Pipefish areas such as seagrass beds. Seagrasses appear largely absent from Port Hedland harbour and as such the importance of the area as habitat for Syngnathids is less than it otherwise would be. Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus Banded Pipefish There still remain other habitats such as coral and algal beds which may provide habitat for Doryrhamphus janssi Cleaner Pipefish Syngnathids. The distribution and ecology of almost all of these species remains unknown. Doryrhamphus multiannulatus Many banded Pipefish Doryrhamphus negrosensis Flagtail Pipefish Festucalex scalaris Ladder Pipefish

64 Introduced Marine Species Introductions and transfer of non native marine species mainly occurs by the transport and discharge of ship ballast water and transport of fouling organisms on ship and boat hulls, and by a lesser extent through aquaculture. In 1998, an introduced marine organism survey in Port Hedland harbour and its adjacent coastline identified six introduced or cryptogenic biofouling species. Huisman et al. (2008) later reported on the status of Introduced Marine Pests (IMPs) in Western Australian waters and identified thirteen IMPs as occurring in Port Hedland, ten of which were additional to those identified in the CRIMP survey. More recently PPA (2010) conducted a small scale biofouling study which added a further six species to the list of IMPs in Port Hedland. Collectively, these studies have identified 22 IMPs within Port Hedland Harbour and surrounds, 5 of which are included on the National Target List of Potential Introduced Marine Pest Species (NIMPIS, 2011); of which three are barnacles and two are bryozoans. Port Hedland is currently recognised as a high risk port within Western Australia for the further introduction of invasive marine pest species, due to the high level of international and interstate vessel activity (Oceanica, 2010). Since 2010 PPA has participated in the State Wide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP) previously the Early Warning System run by the Fisheries sector of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The primary aim of the program is to identify the presence of any target pest species listed on the Western Australian Prevention List for Introduced Marine Pests. Samples previously underwent traditional taxonomic identification, this did not identify any target species at Port Hedland. Since the SWASP was updated in 2016 samples now undergo DNA sequencing and results are compared to a database of listed species. Thus far there have been no highly probable detections of listed species. No surveys targeting introduced marine species have been undertaken with respect to the maintenance dredging. However, the potential for translocation / introduction of IMPs as a result of the proposed dredging works is considered low. There is limited suitable habitat (hard substrata) at the Spoil Grounds for IMPs to colonise, since all are befouling species, which rely on hard substrate for larval settlement/development. Strict adherence to quarantine and PPA s IMP management procedure will be a strict requirement for any vessel associated with the maintenance dredging. Social and Economic Uses of the Area Fisheries The area is used by both commercial and recreational fishermen. The commercial fisheries in the immediate vicinity of the Port include: Pilbara Trap and Line Managed Fishery Pilbara Fish Trawl Managed Fishery Nickol Bay Prawn Managed Fishery Recreational fishing common around islands and reefs Statistics regarding these fisheries are presented in Table A5. All fisheries are considered sustainable (DoF 2016) and are unlikely to be impacted by maintenance dredging. Recreational fishing is a popular pastime through the Pilbara accounting for 3.5% of the entire recreational fishing effort in Western Australia in 2015/16 (DoF 2016). GHD Report for Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging,

65 Table A5: Statistics regarding commercial fisheries in the region of the Port of Port Hedland. Source: DoF 2016 Fishery Target catch (and effort) range in tonnes Catch (tonnes) Comment Pilbara Fish Trawl Managed Fishery Under revision 1,172 Reduced catch levels due to ongoing reductions in effort quota. Full assessment and review of catch range currently under revision. Pilbara Trap and Line Managed Fishery (trap) (line) 510 (trap) 97 (line) Total catch of the trap and line fisheries in 2015 were both within their allowable catch ranges. Nickol Bay Prawn The total landings were just below the allowable range but landings of banana prawns, which are the target species, were within their normal catch range and slightly above their predicted catch range. Marine Parks and Reserves There are no existing or proposed marine parks or reserves which overlap the proposed maintenance dredging footprint or which are expected to be impacted by the proposed dredging activities. The footprint of the proposed Port does not contain any World Heritage Properties, National Heritage Properties or Ramsar Wetlands of International Significance.

66 Appendix B Risk Assessment

67 Dredging risk assessment framework 1. OVERVIEW This risk assessment framework is to be used to identify whether there are any risks (real or perceived) to the environment from proposed dredging activities. 2. PROCESS The risk assessment process is conducted in three phases (Figure 1): Phase 1 Risk identification: what is the activity to be undertaken and what environmental receptors and values may be impacted? Phase 2 Risk analysis: Determining the consequence, likelihood and threat posed by each risk on environmental receptors and values Phase 3 Risk evaluation, management and mitigation: Responses to manage identified risks Identify: - Proposed activity - Environmental values - Threats - Desired outcomes - Influencing factors Determine level of risk: - Magnitude of impact - Duration - Significance - Likelihood - Threat / association - Compare against risk criteria - Accept or treat risk - Document risk treatments in Dredge Management Plan Figure 1 Risk assessment framework

68 3. PHASE 1 RISK IDENTIFICATION Dredging has the potential to impact environmental values and sensitive environmental receptors. Environmental values are listed in Table 1. Table 1 Values to be protected Theme Factor Objective Sea Benthic Communities and Habitat Coastal Processes Marine Environmental Quality Marine Fauna To protect benthic communities and habitats so that biological diversity and ecological integrity is maintained. To maintain the geophysical processes that shape coastal morphology so that the environmental values of the coast are protected. To maintain the quality of water, sediment and biota so that environmental values are protected. To protect marine fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained. People Social surroundings To protect social surroundings from significant harm. Human Health Heritage To protect human health from significant harm. To ensure that historical and cultural associations are not adversely affected. Environmental receptors that may be impacted by dredging include: Fauna (listed species) under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act) or state legislation; Fauna other than listed species; Marine mammals; Turtles; Benthic primary producer habitat (BPPH), including corals and seagrasses; Heritage Indigenous and non-indigenous; and Amenity air quality, noise, vibration.

69 4. PHASE 2 RISK ANALYSIS The risk analysis phase assesses each potential risk posed by dredging on environmental values or receptors individually. The risk analysis process is documented in a risk assessment matrix. There are three steps to undertaking the risk analysis: Step 1 - Calculate a consequence score for each potential risk, based on the expected magnitude of impact, likely duration of the activity and the level of significance of the environmental value or receptor being impacted. Step 2 - Determine a threat score for each potential risk, based on the likelihood of the event occurring and using information on past events where possible to support the conclusion. For sediment quality the National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging 2009 (NADG) are used. Step 3 Define the risk, based on the level of association between the risk/threat and the environmental receptor or value. These steps are outlined in further detail in the following sections. 4.1 Step 1 - Calculate a consequence score Each potential risk may result in a consequence or impact, which can be defined by the following metrics: Magnitude of impact Duration of activity Significance of environmental value or receptor being impacted Magnitude of impact The potential magnitude of impact is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents little or no impact and 5 indicates a significant impact. Table 3 shows the severity criteria which can be used to assign a magnitude rating, descriptors are semiquantitative where possible.

70 Table 2 Severity criteria Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Environmental Value Minimal, if any, impact which have an overall negligible net effect Localised, reversible short term reversible event with minor effects which are contained to an onsite level Localised but reversible event with moderate impacts on a local level Extensive, long term, but reversible event with high impacts on a regional level Long term, extensive, irreversible with high level impacts at potential state wide levels Magnitude Rating Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or state legislation Fauna other than listed species Marine mammals Turtles Benthic primary producer habitat (BPPH) including coral Heritage Amenity No detectable impacts on population of a listed species. No measurable impacts on marine ecological values. No measurable impacts on marine megafauna. Disturbance to local population of listed species impacting normal foraging roosting or reproductive behaviour. Short and long term viability of individual species not impacted. Minor short term impacts on local marine ecological values, Annual recruitment should still occur. Short and long term viability of individual species not impacted. Permanent removal of >10% of the regional population but <1% of the state population of a listed species; AND/OR short term removal of >1% of the state or national population of a listed species. Medium term (<6 month) impacts on local species, life cycle disrupted and resulting in no recruitment for a year. Short term viability of individual species impacted recovery within 1-5 years. Long term viability of species not impacted. Permanent removal of >20% of the regional population but <1% of the state population of a listed species; AND/OR short term removal of >1% of the state or national population of a listed species. Long term (>6 month) impacts on local species, life cycle significantly disrupted no recruitment for successive years. Short term and long term viability individual species impacted recovery time frame (5-10 years). Injury to one individual. Injury to several individuals. Death to at least one individual or injury to several individuals. No measurable impacts. Impact to one individual. Impact to up to five individuals. Disruption to turtle nesting in the vicinity of Port Hedland. Deaths of 10 or more individuals. No measurable impacts on the extent of a coral community. No measurable alterations to heritage sites or values. No noticeable impact of dredging activity. Permanent loss of up to 5% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Detectable impact to single heritage site or value, but no significant reduction in heritage value. Short term impacts to residents and travellers, but do not effect regional amenity. Permanent loss of 5 to 20% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Partial or complete removal of a significant indigenous archaeological site, or some reduction in heritage value. Localised impacts which occur over a long term (< 2 months). Permanent loss of at between 20 to 40% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Regional effects (loss or damage) to significant indigenous archaeological heritage values, or permanent impact to heritage value. Community perception that the region is damaged and recovery greater than 1-2 years. Permanent removal of >50% of the regional population. Permanent removal of >1% of the state or national population of a listed species. Loss of local species and population. Minimal possibility of recovery. Death of at least 10 individuals. Significant disruption to turtle nesting neat Port Hedland. Permanent loss of > 40% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Complete loss or irreparable damage of significant indigenous archaeological records or heritage value. Region-wide damaged permanently and recovery, if possible, greater than 2 years.

71 4.1.1 Duration of activity The length of time that environmental values and receptors are exposed to risks will affect the potential consequence, the criteria for assigning duration scores is shown in Table 3. Table 3 Criteria for assigning duration score Score Duration 0 < 1 week 1 >1 week and <1 month 2 >1 month and <3 months 3 >3 months Significance Environmental receptors that are listed under stated and federal legislation are given greater significance than those that are not, the criteria for assigning significance scores is shown in Table 4, Table 4 Criteria for assigning significance score Score Significance of environmental value 1 Common 2 State significance 3 National significance listed under the EPBC Act or other environmental or heritage legislation 4.2 Step 2 - Assign a likelihood score The likelihood of a potential risk causing a consequence or impact on an environmental receptor or value is established using existing information and experience from previous dredging campaigns. The criteria for assigning a likelihood score is shown in Table 5.

72 Table 5 Criteria for assigning a likelihood score Descriptor Score Description Almost Certain 5 The event is expected to occur in most circumstances during the period under review. Likely 4 The event is likely to occur during the period under review. Possible 3 The event might occur during the period under review Unlikely 2 The event is not likely to occur during the period under review Rare 1 The event will only occur in exceptional circumstances during the period under review. No previous occurrence in similar circumstances. When considering the risk of dredging to marine sediment quality the likelihood will always be almost certain. Therefore the rating levels from NAGD 2009 are used in lieu of the likelihood rating (Table 6). Table 6 Criteria for assigning a likelihood score for marine sediment quality. Adapted from NAGD 2009 Score Description 0 Below Level of Reporting 1 < NAGD Low Screening Levels 2 > NAGD Low Screening Levels < NAGD High Screening Levels 3 > NAGD High Screening Levels 4 2 x NAGD High Screening Levels 5 5 x NAGD High Screening Levels 4.1 Step 3 - Define a level of association The term association is used to describe the strength of the relationship between the potential risk and the environmental receptor or value. Association is rated low, medium or high (Table 7). Figure 2 shows a conceptual model of the relationships between dredging operations and environmental receptors and values.

73 Table 7 Association rating definitions Score High Medium Low None Significance of impact Strong association between stressor and environmental value Some associations between stressor and environmental value Unlikely to have an association between stressor and environmental value No association between stressor and environmental value 5. PHASE 3 RISK EVALUATION, MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION All identified risks are documented in a project risk register. Risks can then be accepted or treated. Risk treatments, as well as monitoring and measurement, are documented in the Dredge Management Plan. The risk assessment, risk register, Dredge Management Plan and evidence of stakeholder consultation are all required in order to obtain a Sea Dumping Permit from the Department of the Environment and Energy under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act (1981). The Department of the Environment and Energy may assign conditions to the permit above and beyond the commitments of the Dredge Management Plan.

74 DREDGING AND SEA DUMPING Turbidity (sediment suspended in water column) Destruction of benthic habitat Entrainment of fauna Collision with dredge Metals in water Noise and light Reduced light penetration Smothering Change in water temperature Fouling of fish gills Reduced visibility Metals in spoil ground sediments Reduced benthic primary productivity Mortality or health effects on fauna ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL / AMENITY VALUES Figure 2 Conceptual model of relationships between risks introduced by dredging and environmental receptors and values

75 Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredger operation - presence and/or collision Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging Draft Risk Register Consequence Rating Inherent Risk - Current Situation Value Location Stressor Association Controls Magnitude Duration Significance Consequence Likelihood Risk Score Comments 1 2 National 1 Low 1 L Minor potential for collision between fauna and dredge. No collision with fauna has occurred during all maintenance dredging campaigns completed under SD2013/2402. Dredger to travel at appropriate speed. Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Dredge footprint and spoil ground Destruction of benthic habitat 1 3 National 2 Low 3 L No listed species are sessile. Dredge footprint and spoil grounds are unlikely to be important habitat for any of the listed species. Potential for minor impact on prey species. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Dredge footprint and spoil ground Noise and light 1 2 National 1 Medium 2 L Dredge footprint Entrainment of fauna 1 2 National 1 Medium 2 L Spoil grounds Turbidity 1 2 National 1 High 3 L Potential for disturbance to feeding and other activities, however light and noise from dredger will be localised. Low potential for entrainment of listed marine fauna other than marine mega fauna. Potential for impacts on fish gills, prey species and feeding, however turbidity is likely to be localised and of short duration. Proper maintenance of dredge equipment to minimise underwater noise. Dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Spoil grounds Metals in water column 1 2 National 1 High 1 L Metals can cause direct acute toxicity and chronic toxicity via bioaccumulation in tissue as well as direct reduction in food availability (i.e. reduced benthic infauna due to toxicity). Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint indicate metals concentrations are generally below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. The period of exposure is generally low as sediments will only be suspended in the water column at the spoil ground for a period of hours. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation other than marine mega-fauna Spoil grounds Metals in sediment 1 3 National 2 Medium 3 L Minor potential for metals in sediments to pass into the food chain. Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint and at the spoil ground indicates metals are below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredger operation - presence and/or collision 1 2 Common 1 Low 1 L Minor potential for collision between fauna and dredge. No collision with fauna has occurred during all maintenance dredging campaigns completed under SD2013/2402. Dredger to travel at appropriate speed.

76 Consequence Rating Inherent Risk - Current Situation Value Location Stressor Association Controls Magnitude Duration Significance Consequence Likelihood Risk Score Comments Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Destruction of benthic habitat 1 3 Common 1 Low 3 L Noise and light 1 2 Common 1 Medium 3 L Dredge footprint Entrainment of fauna 1 2 Common 1 Medium 2 L Spoil grounds Turbidity 1 2 Common 1 High 2 L Spoil grounds Metals in water column 1 2 Common 1 High 2 L Potential for minor impact on prey species. Dredge footpring and spoil grounds are not likely to be important habitat for fauna apart from infauna. Limited marine plants if any at the spoil grounds. The channel is an area of continual disturbance in any case. Potential for disturbance to feeding and other activities, however light and noise from the dredge are localised. Low potential for entrainment of marine fauna such that there are ecological consequences is considered low. Potential for impacts on fish gills, prey species and feeding. Modelling and monitoring of previous dredging campaigns suggests that turbidity levels will not impact upon non-listed fauna Metals can cause direct acute toxicity and chronic toxicity via bioaccumulation in tissue as well as direct reduction in food availability (i.e. reduced benthic infauna due to toxicity). Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint indicate metals concentrations are generally below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. The period of exposure is generally low as sediments will only be suspended in the water column at the spoil ground for a period of hours. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Proper maintenance of dredge equipment to minimise underwater noise. Dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Non-listed fauna other than marine mega fauna Spoil grounds Metals in sediment 1 3 Common 1 Medium 1 L Minor potential for metals in sediments to pass into the food chain. Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint and at the spoil ground indicates metals are below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Marine mammals Marine mammals Marine mammals Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredger operation - presence and/or collision Destruction of benthic habitat 2 2 National 2 Low 1 L 1 3 National 2 Low 1 L Noise and light 1 2 National 1 Low 2 L Low potential for collision between marine mammal and dredge. Marine mammal migration pathways generally outside dredge operational area. No collision with marine mammals has occurred during all maintenance dredging campaigns completed under SD2013/2402. No habitat for marine mammals in the dredge footprint and limited habitat at spoil grounds. Potential for minor impact on prey species. Potential for disturbance to feeding and other activities, however light and noise from the dredge are localised. Marine fauna observer on dredger. Dredger to travel at appropriate speed. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Proper maintenance of dredge equipment to minimise underwater noise.

77 Consequence Rating Inherent Risk - Current Situation Value Location Stressor Association Controls Magnitude Duration Significance Consequence Likelihood Risk Score Comments Marine mammals Dredge footprint and spoil ground Entrainment of fauna 1 2 National 1 Low 2 L Low potential for entrainment of small marine mammals (ie. dugongs and dolphins) into drag head. No pathway for entrainment of large marine mammals (ie. whales). No entrainment of marine mammals has occurred during all maintenance dredging campaigns completed under SD2013/2402. Marine fauna observer on dredger. Tickler chains fitted to drag head. Dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Marine mammals Spoil grounds Turbidity 1 2 National 1 Low 2 L Marine mammals Spoil grounds Metals in water column 1 2 National 1 High 1 L Potential for impacts on prey species and feeding, however turbidity is likely to be localised and of short duration. Metals can cause direct acute toxicity and chronic toxicity via bioaccumulation in tissue as well as direct reduction in food availability (i.e. reduced benthic infauna due to toxicity). Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint indicate metals concentrations are generally below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. The period of exposure is generally low as sediments will only be suspended in the water column at the spoil ground for a period of hours. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Marine mammals Spoil grounds Metals in sediment 1 3 National 2 Medium 1 L Minor potential for metals in sediments to pass into the food chain. Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint and at the spoil ground indicates metals are below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Turtles Turtles Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredger operation - presence and/or collision Destruction of benthic habitat 2 2 National 2 Low 1 L 1 3 National 2 Low 1 L Low potential for collision between turtle and dredge. No collision with turtles has occurred during all maintenance dredging campaigns completed under SD2013/2402. Dredging footprint and spoil grounds are not core foraging habitat for turtles. Potential minor impact on prey species Marine fauna observer on dredger. Dredger to travel at appropriate speed. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Turtles Dredge footprint and spoil ground Noise and light 1 2 National 1 Medium 2 L Potential for disturbance to feeding and other activities. Light is known to impact upon nesting turtles and hatchlings, however light and noise from the dredger will be localised. Proper maintenance of dredge equipment to minimise underwater noise.

78 Consequence Rating Inherent Risk - Current Situation Value Location Stressor Association Controls Magnitude Duration Significance Consequence Likelihood Risk Score Comments Turtles Dredge footprint and spoil ground Entrainment of fauna 3 2 National 3 Low 4 L Turtles Spoil grounds Turbidity 1 2 National 1 Low 2 L Turtles Spoil grounds Metals in water column 1 2 National 1 Medium 1 L Low potential for entrainment of turtles into drag head. No entrainment of marine turtles has occurred since 2013 when an additional operational control was implemented (dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor). Potential for impacts on prey species and feeding, however turbidity is likely to be localised and of short duration. Turbidity will only be increased in spoil grounds, which are not core foraging areas or in close proximity to nesting beaches. Metals can cause direct acute toxicity and chronic toxicity via bioaccumulation in tissue as well as direct reduction in food availability (i.e. reduced benthic infauna due to toxicity). Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint and at the spoil ground indicate metals concentrations are generally below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. The period of exposure is generally low as sediments will only be suspended in the water column at the spoil ground for a period of hours. Marine fauna observer on dredger. Tickler chains fitted to drag head. Dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Turtles Spoil grounds Metals in sediment 1 3 National 1 Medium 3 L Minor potential for metals in sediments to pass into the food chain. Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint and at the spoil ground indicates metals are below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Benthic Primary Producer Habitat (BPPH) Benthic Primary Producer Habitat (BPPH) Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Destruction of benthic habitat 1 3 State 1 High 4 L Turbidity 2 2 State 1 High 3 L Dredging can directly remove or smother benthic communities. Dredge footprint is an area of continual disturbance to presence of substantial BPPH is unlikely. Spoil grounds have been previously disturbed. Potential for smothering and light attenuation, causing reduced productivity. Impacts likely to be localised. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Benthic Primary Producer Habitat (BPPH) Dredge footprint and spoil ground Metals in water column 1 2 State 1 Medium 1 L Low association between metals in water column and impacts on BPPH. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels.

79 Consequence Rating Inherent Risk - Current Situation Value Location Stressor Association Controls Magnitude Duration Significance Consequence Likelihood Risk Score Comments Benthic Primary Producer Habitat (BPPH) Dredge footprint and spoil ground Metals in sediment 1 3 State 1 High 1 L Metals in sediments can be directly toxic and harmful to some BPPH. Dredge footprint is an area of continual disturbance so presence of substantial BPPH is unlikely. Spoil grounds have been previously disturbed. Sediment sampling in the dredge footprint indicate metals concentrations are generally below NAGD screening levels except for occasional naturally occurring arsenic, nickel, chromium and cadmium. Elutriate bioavailability testing has shown levels below NAGD screening levels. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Coral Dredge footprint and spoil ground Destruction of benthic habitat 1 3 State 1 High 1 L Dredging can directly remove or smother corals. Small isolated patches of coral occur in the dredge footprint and spoil grounds, as these are areas of continual or previous disturbance. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Coral Dredge footprint and spoil ground Turbidity 3 2 State 2 High 2 L Potential for smothering and light attenuation, causing reduced productivity. Impacts likely to be localised. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Coral Dredge footprint and spoil ground Metals in water column 3 2 State 2 Medium 1 L Small isolated patches of coral occur in the dredge footprint and spoil grounds, as these are areas of continual or previous disturbance. Annual marine sediment sampling and analysis to continue to confirm metals concentrations in material to be dredged are below NAGD guidelines or naturally occurring levels. Introduced marine pests Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredger operation - presence and/or collision 2 1 National 1 Medium 2 L Introduction of marine pests on dredger travelling to Port Hedland from international or interstate locations. Dredge operations may be halted while pests are removed. Dredger and any associated vessels to comply with the PPA Port of Port Hedland Introduced Marine Pest Risk Assessment Procedure Introduced marine pests Dredge footprint and spoil ground Destruction of benthic habitat 2 3 National 3 Medium 2 L Disturbance of habitat may provide area for introduced marine pests to colonise, however dredge footprint and spoil grounds are areas of continual or previous disturbance. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Heritage (Indigenous and non-indigenous) Heritage (Indigenous and non-indigenous) Heritage (Indigenous and non-indigenous) Heritage (Indigenous and non-indigenous) Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Destruction of benthic habitat 1 3 National 2 Low 1 L Noise and light 1 2 National 1 Low 1 L Low impact likely. Entrainment of fauna 1 2 National 1 Low 1 L Turbidity 2 2 National 2 Low 1 L Potential indirect impacts through effects on other environmental values. Potential indirect impacts through effects on other environmental values. Potential indirect impacts through effects on other environmental values. Appropriate GPS tracking system to ensure dredger only operates in designated dredge footprint and spoil grounds. Proper maintenance of dredge equipment to minimise underwater noise. Marine fauna observer on dredger. Tickler chains fitted to drag head. Dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor.

80 Consequence Rating Inherent Risk - Current Situation Value Location Stressor Association Controls Magnitude Duration Significance Consequence Likelihood Risk Score Comments Social amenity Social amenity Social amenity Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredge footprint and spoil ground Dredger operation - presence and/or collision 1 2 Common 1 Low 4 L Noise and light 2 2 Common 1 Low 4 L Turbidity 1 2 Common 1 Low 1 L Dredger unlikely to increase impact due to existing high concentration of vessels in and around Port Hedland. Dredger unlikely to increase impact due to existing high concentration of vessels in and around Port Hedland. Dredger unlikely to increase impact due to existing high concentration of vessels in and around Port Hedland. Dredger to travel at appropriate speed. No controls required. Dredging and dumping operations to take place in a manner which minimises turbidity. For example, dredge pumps stopped as soon as possible once drag head is off the sea floor.

81 Consequence Duration Descriptors Score Duration 0 < 1 week 1 >1 week and <1 month 2 >1 month and <3 months 3 >3 months Significance Criteria Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic Environmental Value Minimal, if any, impact which have an overall negligible net effect Localised, reversible short term reversible event with minor effects which are contained to an onsite level Localised long term but reversible event with moderate impacts on a local level Extensive, long term, but reversible event with high impacts on a regional level Long term, extensive, irreversible with high level impacts at potential state wide levels Magnitude Rating Fauna listed under the EPBC Act or State legislation Non-listed Fauna Marine mammals No detectable impacts on population of a listed species. No measurable impacts on marine ecological values. No measurable impacts on marine megafauna. Disturbance to local population of listed species impacting normal foraging roosting or reproductive behaviour. Short and long term viability of individual species not impacted. Minor short term impacts on local marine ecological values, Annual recruitment should still occur. Short and long term viability of individual species not impacted. Permanent removal of >10% of the regional population but <1% of the state population of a listed species; AND/OR short term removal of >1% of the state or national population of a listed species. Medium term (<6 month) impacts on local species, life cycle disrupted and resulting in no recruitment for a year. Short term viability of individual species impacted recovery within 1-5 years. Long term viability of species not impacted. Permanent removal of >20% of the regional population but <1% of the Permanent removal of >50% of the regional population. Permanent state population of a listed species; AND/OR short term removal of >1% of removal of >1% of the state or national population of a listed species. the state or national population of a listed species. Long term (>6 month) impacts on local species, life cycle significantly disrupted no recruitment for successive years. Short term and long term viability individual species impacted recovery time frame (5-10 years). Injury to one individual. Injury to several individuals. Death to at least one individual or injury to several individuals. Death of at least 10 individuals. Turtles No measurable impacts. Impact to one individual. Impact to up to five individuals. Benthic primary producers including coral Amenity - Sensory Perception (Air, Noise, Vibration) No measurable impacts on the extent Permanent loss of up to 5% of benthic primary producer communities of a coral community. within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. No noticeable impact of dredging activity. Short term impacts to residents and travellers, but do not effect regional amenity. Permanent loss of 5 to 20% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Localised impacts which occur over a long term (< 2 months). Disruption to turtle nesting in the vicinity of Port Hedland. Deaths of 10 or more individuals. Permanent loss of at between 20 to 40% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Community perception that the region is damaged and recovery greater than 1-2 years. Loss of local species and population. Minimal possibility of recovery. Significant disruption to turtle nesting neat Port Hedland. Permanent loss of > 40% of benthic primary producer communities within 5 km of the Port of Port Hedland. Region-wide damaged permanently and recovery, if possible, greater than 2 years. Indigenous Cultural Heritage No measurable alterations to indigenous heritage sites. Partial impact to one indigenous heritage sites. Partial or complete removal of a significant indigenous archaeological site. Regional effects (loss or damage) to significant indigenous archaeological heritage values. Complete loss or irreparable damage of significant indigenous archaeological records. Non-indigenous Cultural Heritage No measurable alterations to state or commonwealth heritage values. Detectable impact to state or commonwealth heritage values, but no significant reduction in heritage value. Detectable impact to state or commonwealth heritage impacts with some reduction in heritage value. Permanent impact to state or commonwealth heritage value with substantial reduction in value. Complete loss of heritage value intrinsic to state or commonwealth site. Landscape & Visual No change to landscape character. Localised, short term (less than 1 day duration) low level visual impact or change to landscape character affecting travellers and/or landowners. Localised, low visual impact or change to landscape character (<2 months) duration. Localised, low visual impact or change to landscape character 2-6 months duration. Permanent high level visual impact or change to landscape character affecting visual amenity for wider community. Likelihood Descriptors Level Descriptor 5 Almost Certain 4 Likely 3 Possible 2 Unlikely 1 Rare Description The event is expected to occur in most circumstances during the period under review. The event is likely to occur during the period under review. The event might occur during the period under review The event is not likely to occur during the period under review The event will only occur in exceptional circumstances during the period under review. No previous occurrence in similar circumstances. Risk Matrix Likelihood Almost Certain Likely Possible Unlikely Rare Insignificant L L L L L Minor M M L L L Moderate H H M M L Major E H H M M Catastrophic E E H H M Magnitude Is a rating of the impact based on the Consequence Criteria Matrix. Insignificant (1), Minor (2), Moderate (3), Major (4) and Catastrophic (5) Duration Duration is the length of time that the risk is present. For dredging most of the activities are for the duration of the dredging activity but sediment deposition at the spoil gruond is likley to last beyond the period in which dredging occurs. Significance The significance of the value represents the recignised value of the value and is used to separate values that are identified through legislation or other means as being important. Signifcance is rated national, state or common. Consequence Score Consequence is a combination of the Magnitude of the Impact, the Duration of the Impact and the Significance level of the value being impacted converted to a score out of five to fit in with the risk matrix. Association Likelihood The association measures the strength of the linkage between the stressor and the value. This allows for the risk assessment to better assess the likleihood of an threat affecting a value. Association is rated high, medium of low. The likelihood is the probability usign a scale of 1 to 5.

82 GHD Unit 186 Pelago East Apartments 26 Sharpe Avenue, Karratha, WA, 6714 Australia T: F: E: ktamail@ghd.com GHD 2018 This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited /C:\Users\dpetch\Desktop\PoH Maintenance\ Port Hedland Maintenance Dredging LTDMP (A541574).docx Document Status Revision Author Reviewer Approved for Issue Name Signature Name Signature Date A T. Hibberd D. Petch D. Petch 19/04/2018

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