19 Brigalow scaly-foot

Transcription

1 19 Brigalow scaly-foot 19.1 EPBC Act legal status Vulnerable - listed 16 July Biology and ecology Characteristics The Brigalow scaly-foot (Paradelma orientalis) is a lead grey to greyish brown legless lizard. The species grows to approximately 16 cm with a tail about twice the length of the body. The base of the Brigalow scaly-foot head is cream to pale brown, darkening towards the snout and contrasting sharply with a black bar on its nape. It is robust with a round snout and moderately large limb-flaps. The scales are smooth and glossy and usually occur in 18, or occasionally, 20 rows (Cogger 2000, TSN 2008). Brigalow scaly-foot (Source: DEM 2002) Known distribution The Brigalow scaly-foot is exclusively found within Queensland. The distribution spans from Nebo in the north, Boyne Island in the east, Wyaga in the South and Ulcanbah Station and Idalia National Park in the west. The species is found in the Brigalow Belt North and South Bioregions, the southern areas of the Desert Uplands bioregion and the Mulga Lands bioregion (DSEWPaC 2012n). Important populations occur in large contiguous areas of remnant vegetation such as the central Queensland sandstone rises, the Blackwater/Blackdown Tablelands region, the Moura/Theodore region and the Boyne Island area (DSEWPaC 2012n). There are no population estimates for this species; however it is regularly recorded during fauna surveys (Curtis et al 2012). As a result the total number of known locations has increased but knowledge of the population size is still limited (Curtis et al 2012). Page 2-166

2 Figure 19.1 Distribution range of the Brigalow scaly-foot (Source: DSEWPaC 2012n) Known species populations and their relationship with the GTP footprint The Brigalow scaly-foot has been located in a number of environs throughout the entire GTP OW. During the recent pre-clearing surveys between KP0 and KP37 no individuals were recorded. However, during the habitat assessments in 2010, an individual was located near a patch of Brigalow (Ecologica Consulting 2012). Suitable habitat for this species has been identified throughout the mainland GTP and at KP414.3 (Curtis Island) during pre-clearance surveys (Santos GLNG 2012, 2013, 2013b) Biology and reproduction This species is nocturnal and largely terrestrial with some arboreal behaviour recorded. This species is insectivorous, feeding on spiders and crickets. The species when disturbed will raise its neck off the ground and flick it tongue rapidly (ie snake-mimicking posture) (Curtis et al 2012). Females are thought to lay up to two elongated eggs between late spring and early summer (DEHP 2012b). Studies on a captured female species from Boyne Island recorded the species laying two eggs in captivity in early November with the eggs hatching in late January (Tremul 2000) Habitat The Brigalow scaly-foot is found on sandstone ridges, woodlands and vine thickets, not limited to Brigalow but also occurs in open forests and woodlands, especially Ironbark, Cypress pine, Brigalow, Bull-oak, Spotted gum, Vine scrubs and Acacia falciformis woodlands. Shelters beneath sandstone slabs, logs, dense leaf litter and in grass tussocks, also known to climb small trees (Wilson & Swan 2003).On Boyne Island individuals were recorded in Acacia falciformis trees. The species appeared to only use the trunk and main branches, and climb to heights in excess of 2 m (Tremul 2000). This species can also occur in Brigalow communities as listed under the EPBC Act and also in habitats which also support the Yakka skink (DSEWPaC 2012n). The species has been recorded from vegetation communities contiguous with habitats intersected by the GTP OW, including areas within Expedition National Park and from protected and unprotected areas north and south of the township of Moura (DEM 2012, Queensland Museum 2011 and Atlas of Living Australia 2012). Page 2-167

3 19.4 Habitat assessment Information obtained from BPA (ie Brigalow Belt South Fauna Expert Panel eport (EPA 2006)), together with expert advice, site based species records and pre-clearance survey data have been used to define a set of assumptions that have been used to identify areas of habitat that are consistent with the definitions of core habitat, essential habitat and general habitat that have been presented in Part 1 of this SSMP. The Brigalow scaly-foot habitat assumptions are presented below General assumptions The following general habitat assumptions have been made based on current scientific knowledge of this species: The species has been observed associating with the following flora species: Acacia harpophylla (Brigalow), Acacia cambageana (Gidgee), Acacia catenulata (Bendee), Acacia shirleyi (Lancewood), Acacia falciformis, Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved ironbark), Eucalyptus populneus (Poplar box), Callitris columellaris (Bribie Island pine), and Allocasuarina luehmannii (Bull-oak) on areas identified as Land zones 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (DSEWPaC 2012n) Core habitat Core habitat consists of essential habitat in which the species is known and the habitat is recognised under relevant recovery plans or other relevant plans/policies/regulations. Also included within this category are populations that are limited geographically within the region. For the Brigalow scaly-foot, all Es that contain a specimen backed record, which overlap with areas identified in the BPA mapping that have been identified as containing a State or egional Corridor (J-ating) and/or Core Habitat (H-ating) and/or Habitat for EV Taxa (A-ating) have been mapped as core habitat. KP0 to KP30 No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP0 to KP30; therefore no core habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP30 to KP40 An individual of this species has been identified at KP34.33 of the GTP OW, and as this area meets the criteria outlined above, core habitat exists within this section of the GTP. The location of the core habitat for this species within KP30 to KP40 is shown in Figure 19.2b. KP40 to KP130 No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP40 to KP130; therefore no core habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP130 to KP312 No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP130 to KP312; therefore no core habitat exists within this section of the GTP. Page 2-168

4 KP312 to KP No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP312 to KP408.81; therefore no core habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP to KP No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP to KP409.04; therefore no core habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP to KP No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP to KP419.69; therefore no core habitat exists within this section of the GTP Essential habitat Essential habitat is an area containing resources that are considered essential for the maintenance of populations of the species (eg potential habitat for breeding, roosting, foraging, shelter, for either migratory or non-migratory species). Essential habitat is defined from known records and/or expert advice (including the findings of pre-clearance surveys). For the Brigalow scaly-foot, all Es that contain a specimen backed record have been mapped as essential habitat. This mapping is restricted only to the relevant polygon in which the record falls (ie as per the DEHP certified E or pre E mapping). Where this species is identified outside of remnant vegetation as indicated on the DEHP certified E mapping, all remnant vegetation contained in a 1 km radius of this record is considered to constitute essential habitat for this species. KP0 to KP30 No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP0 to KP30; therefore no essential habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP30 to KP40 As an individual of this species has been identified within KP30 to KP40 of the GTP OW, but this area meets the criteria to be included as core habitat, no essential habitat has been mapped within this section of the GTP. KP40 to KP130 No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP40 to KP130; therefore no essential habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP130 to KP312 No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP130 to KP312; therefore no essential habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP312 to KP No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP312 to KP408.81; therefore no essential habitat exists within this section of the GTP. Page 2-169

5 KP to KP No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP to KP409.04; therefore no essential habitat exists within this section of the GTP. KP to KP No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP to KP419.69; therefore no essential habitat exists within this section of the GTP General habitat General habitat consists of areas or locations that are used by transient individuals or where species may have been recorded but where there is insufficient information to assess the area as essential/core habitat. General habitat also includes areas defined from known records or habitat that is considered to potentially support a species according to expert knowledge of habitat relationships, despite the absence of specimen backed records. General habitat may include areas of suboptimal habitat for species. As potential habitat for many species contained within this SSMP may include most of the regional ecosystems of the Brigalow Belt Bioregion, the general habitat category restricts the habitat to a more limited and realistic set of environmental parameters that are supported by literature and field based observation. For the Brigalow scaly-foot, all areas that do not contain a specimen backed record, and do not fulfil the requirements of core and essential habitat are considered to be general habitat. KP0 to KP30 Figure 19.2a shows the location of general habitat for Brigalow scaly-foot within this section of the GTP. KP30 to KP40 Figure 19.2b shows the location of general habitat for Brigalow scaly-foot within this section of the GTP. KP40 to KP130 No general habitat for this species exists in this section of the GTP. KP130 to KP312 Expedition ange (KP135.3 to KP136.5, KP412, KP146.8, KP148.8 to KP148.9), Dawson ange (KP223.2 to KP224.2) and KP to KP312 has been identified during the preclearance surveys as meeting the criteria of general habitat for this species (Santos GLNG 2012). Figure 19.2c and Figure 19.2d shows the location of general habitat for Brigalow scaly-foot within this section of the GTP. KP312 to KP Pre-clearance surveys identified general habitat for this species within the Callide ange between KP315 and KP316.5, within Larcom ange (KP400.3) and between KP405.5 and KP407.5 (Santos GLNG 2013). Page 2-170

6 KP30 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas Habitat ating General Habitat KP20 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_276.mxd 11/01/ :24 KP10 Map by: B KP0 Figure 19.2D: Brigalow Scaly-foot (Paradelma orientalis) Habitat atings Based on Predictive Modelling KP0 to KP30 A1 scale: 1:55,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX km Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 11/01/2013 Version: b

7 .3 */1* *DV 7UDQVPLVVLQ 3LSHOLQH &UULGU.3 Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas _ [ Specimen Backed ecord +DELWDW 5DWLQJ.3 Core General Habitat _ [.3 26/11/ :19 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_262_A8_2.mxd.3 Map by: B )LJXUH 9 E %ULJDOZ 6FDO\ IW Paradelma orientalis +DELWDW 5DWLQJV %DVHG Q 3UHGLFWLYH 0GHOOLQJ.3 W.3 A1 scale: 1:20,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX ,000 1,500 Meters Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 26/11/2012 Version: a

8 */1* *DV 7UDQVPLVVLQ 3LSHOLQH &UULGU Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas +DELWDW 5DWLQJ General Habitat Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_233.mxd 24/10/ : Map by: B )LJXUH 9 F %ULJDOZ 6FDO\ IW Paradelma orientalis +DELWDW 5DWLQJV %DVHG Q 3UHGLFWLYH 0GHOOLQJ.3 W.3 A1 scale:1:145,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX km Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 22/10/2012 Version: a

9 */1* *DV 7UDQVPLVVLQ 3LSHOLQH &UULGU.3 Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas.3 +DELWDW 5DWLQJ General Habitat Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_233_2.mxd 22/10/ : Map by: B )LJXUH 9 G %ULJDOZ 6FDO\ IW Paradelma orientalis +DELWDW 5DWLQJV %DVHG Q 3UHGLFWLYH 0GHOOLQJ.3 W.3 A1 scale:1:145,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX km Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 22/10/2012 Version: a

10 Figure 19.2e and Figure 19.2f shows the location of general habitat for Brigalow scaly-foot within this section of the GTP. KP to KP No general habitat for this species exists in this section of the GTP. KP to KP Pre-clearance surveys have identified general habitat at KP414.3 on Curtis Island for this species. Figure 19.2g shows the location of general habitat for Brigalow scaly-foot within this section of the GTP Unlikely habitat Unlikely habitat areas are those areas that do not contain records of the particular species and do not contain habitat features to support the species (ie areas that do not meet the habitat assumptions identified above) Anticipated threats and potential impacts as a result of the GTP Loss, fragmentation and degradation of general habitat emoval and destruction of key microhabitats, including potential breeding places Changes to foraging behaviour due to artificial lighting, noise and movement Entrapment in trenches and other excavations Mortality due to equipment and vehicle movement 19.6 Unavoidable impact from GTP Areas of proposed disturbance associated with clearing and construction activities for the GTP between KP0 to KP30, KP30 to KP40, KP40 to KP130, KP130 to KP312, KP312 to KP408.81, KP to KP and KP to KP for the Brigalow scaly-foot are presented in Table It is important to note that this unavoidable impact is considered minor and temporary in the context of the wide spread extent of general habitat in the region. The location of this habitat is shown in Figure 19.2a, Figure 19.2b, Figure 19.2c, Figure 19.2d, Figure 19.2e, Figure 19.2f and Figure 19.2g. A cumulative total of proposed clearing of habitat for the Brigalow scaly-foot is provided in Table Table 19.1 Cumulative total of Brigalow scaly-foot habitat to be cleared Location General habitat Core habitat Total habitat area per GTP section KP0 to KP ha 0 ha ha KP30 to KP ha 2.89 ha ha KP40 to KP130 0 ha 0 ha 0 ha KP130 to KP ha 0 ha ha KP312 to KP ha 0 ha ha KP to KP ha 0 ha 0 ha Page 2-171

11 Location General habitat Core habitat Total habitat area per GTP section KP to KP ha 0 ha 0.42 ha Total habitat area ha 2.89 ha ha 19.7 Management practices and methods Pre-construction mitigation measures Measures to avoid impact All reasonable and practical measures will be taken to locate site offices, construction camps, stockpiling/lay down areas and plant and equipment storage areas (including heavy machinery) on existing cleared lands Where the Brigalow scaly-foot and its breeding site is located within or within close proximity to the GTP footprint and ancillary work areas, the location will be recorded and checked again for activity prior to construction clearing. All practical and reasonable steps must be taken to avoid disturbing these sites including the investigation of alternative construction measures near known habitats. The establishment of 50 m buffer around breeding site(s) may also be applied Where practically feasible, efforts should be made to co-locate the pipeline adjacent to existing. Cleared areas to minimise fragmentation and reduction of core habitat within remnant communities Measures to minimise impacts Pre-clearing ecological surveys have been undertaken by a suitably qualified Ecologist(s) in accordance with the Survey Guidelines for Australia s Threatened eptiles Prior to the commencement of construction clearing, the limits of clearing will be clearly marked out by a suitably qualified and experienced EO. Barricade webbing or similar should be used for No Go zones Wherever practicable, signage will be erected to increase awareness of this species and its habitat in the area Prior to site entry, all site personnel will be appropriately trained and made aware of the sensitive environs in which they will be working (refer Part 1, Section 7.7) Construction phase mitigation measures Measures to avoid impact Vehicle and pedestrian access to and from the GTP footprint will be restricted to the defined access tracks The limits of clearing will be clearly marked out by a suitably qualified and experienced EO. Barricade webbing or similar will be present highlighting all temporary and permanent No Go zones relevant to the Brigalow scaly-foot Page 2-172

12 KP313 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor KP360 Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) Habitat ating GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas General Habitat KP312 KP350 KP340 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_298.mxd 21/01/ :33 Map by: B KP310 KP320 KP330 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb Figure 19.2e: Brigalow Scaly-foot (Paradelma orientalis) Habitat atings Based on Predictive Modelling KP312 to KP A1 scale: 1:65, km GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 21/01/2013 Version: a

13 KP400.5 KP400 KP410 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas KP Habitat ating General Habitat KP400 KP390 KP380 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_298_2.mxd 21/01/ :34 Map by: B KP360 KP370 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb Figure 19.2f: Brigalow Scaly-foot (Paradelma orientalis) Habitat atings Based on Predictive Modelling KP312 to KP A1 scale: 1:65, km GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 21/01/2013 Version: a

14 GLNG Gas Transmission Pipeline Corridor Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km) GLNG Narrows Pipeline Alignment KP415 GLNG GTP OW and Ancillary Work Areas KP416 Habitat ating KP413 General Habitat KP414 KP417 02/04/ :18 KP418 P:\GIS\Projects\214208_Santos_EMP\SEMP_334.mxd KP419 Source: Gas Transmission Pipeline (GTP): Santos, Apr Aerial: BING, Feb Map by: B Figure. J: Brigalow Scaly-foot (Paradelma orientalis) Habitat atings Based on Predictive Modelling KP to KP A1 scale: 1:10,000 GLNG No: XXXX-XX-XXXX Meters Coordinate system: GCS_GDA_1994 Date: 02/04/2013 Version: a

15 Measures to minimise impacts All site personnel will be educated in not harming any animals. All native animals are protected under legislation and it is illegal to harm them All vegetation clearing and/or construction activities within known Brigalow scaly-foot habitat will comply with the clearing approval conditions (eg EPBC Act, EP Act, NC Act and other statutory approvals) and be supervised by the relevant EO Implement the Fauna Handling Procedures (refer Appendix C) Areas of reptile habitat (ie rock features, areas with coarse woody debris) will be subject to mild active disturbance by the fauna handler prior to clearing, to encourage natural relocation of resident fauna Clearing will be conducted in a sequential manner and in a way that directs escaping wildlife away from the clearing activities and into adjacent natural areas Areas of reptile habitat (eg logs, rocks) that require removal will be relocated as soon as practical to adjacent habitat areas Clearing activities will be restricted to the maximum disturbance limits authorised for the GTP footprint activities. This will include reducing the OW width to 30 m in known habitat for the Brigalow scaly-foot All clearing activities within identified sensitive areas will be supervised by the relevant EO Surveillance of the open trench in all areas and the removal of wildlife from the trench by appropriately trained personnel (the whole trench will be checked at least twice a day (early morning/late afternoon) The spotter catcher(s) will have access to the site (particularly the open trench) during all weather conditions to check for trapped fauna Measures will be adopted to prevent fauna entrapment within the pipeline trench, such as: Minimising the period of time the trench is open, particularly in core habitat and essential habitat areas Constructing ramps with a non-slip surface with slopes less than 45 to provide exit ramps for fauna at intervals no greater than 500 m Trench plugs shall be installed in open trenches. These will be provided as a minimum every 500 m Installing additional ramps at greater than normal frequencies (500 m) in areas identified as known or high value habitat Branches, hessian sacks, ramped gangplanks or similar to be used to create ladders to enable fauna to exit the trench. These structures will be placed every 250 to 500 m, depending on the surrounding landscapes Direct temporary lighting away from light-sensitive areas such as roost areas. Light shades and low lighting will be applied to construction and operational areas located adjacent to remnant native vegetation and other environmentally sensitive areas Prior to backfilling, the spotter catcher(s) will check the open trench in all areas for trapped fauna and where required move them to a safe location away from the trench. This may include disturbing the top layer of soil to ensure no reptiles are camouflaged under the soil Page 2-173

16 Cleared vegetation will be stick raked into piles to provide fauna habitat Minimise the double handling of stockpiled vegetation and rocky areas as cleared vegetation is likely to be used by native fauna, especially if not used for an extended period The construction phase component of the LMP will be implemented Weather permitting, rehabilitation of all areas identified will commence immediately after the pipeline has been lowered in and backfilled (refer LMP). With the exception of operational constraints, revegetation will be consistent with the plant density, floristic composition and distribution of the adjacent communities (particularly ground cover). ehabilitation will also incorporate the re-establishment of Brigalow scaly-foot habitat and landscape connectivity within core habitat and essential habitat areas Operational phase mitigation measures Measures to avoid impact Vehicle and pedestrian access within the GTP footprint will be restricted to the defined access tracks Measures to minimise impacts Implementation of the Fauna Handling Procedures (refer Appendix C) Appropriate maintenance measures will be adopted along the GTP OW to minimise potential risk to recolonising species. This includes ensuring that appropriate fire regimes are adopted (where necessary) as well as minimising the disturbance to rocky outcrops, woody debris and rehabilitating vegetation The operational phase component of the LMP will be implemented to encourage the re-establishment of ecological communities impacted as a result of construction works. In particular, associated habitat areas for the Brigalow scaly-foot The PWMP will be implemented to minimise the risk of weed and pest animal establishment within known and/or potential Brigalow scaly-foot habitat Decommissioning phase mitigation measures Measures to minimise impacts Implementation of the Fauna Handling Procedures (refer Appendix C) A decommissioning plan will be developed by GLNG and provided for approval. The plan will aim to address the requirements of AS2885 and also to ensure environmental harm is avoided, including: The Project area no longer contains hazardous contaminants and is in stable condition All above ground infrastructure is removed All areas disturbed by above ground infrastructure are rehabilitated in accordance with the relevant conditions Page 2-174

17 For a minimum of five years after the completion of rehabilitation, rehabilitated areas will be monitored on a yearly basis The monitoring programme will include: Methods to measure subsidence and erosion rates at rehabilitated buried transmission pipeline corridors and buried flow lines Biocondition assessment in accordance with the Biocondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland: Assessment Manual: Version 2.1 (Eyre et al 2011) Monitoring of indicators identified in the LMP at analogue sites to measure progressive and final rehabilitation success relevant to the final land use(s) Frequency and seasonality of monitoring analogue sites and rehabilitated areas to assess rehabilitation success Identification of the experimental design for analysing analogue and rehabilitated site data including statistical methods of analyses Page 2-175