gosford south substation and wyoming sectioning hut...proposal refers to the construction and...

Power Supply Upgrade Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut Review of Environmental Factors

May 2015

This report has been prepared by GHD for Transport for New South Wales and may only be used and relied on by Transport for New South Wales for the purpose agreed between GHD and the Transport for New South Wales as set out in section 1.5 of this report.

GHD otherwise disclaims responsibility to any person other than Transport for New South Wales arising in connection with this report. GHD also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to the extent legally permissible.

The services undertaken by GHD in connection with preparing this report were limited to those specifically detailed in the report and are subject to the scope limitations set out in the report.

The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on conditions encountered and information reviewed at the date of preparation of the report. GHD has no responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring subsequent to the date that the report was prepared.

The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on assumptions made by GHD described in this report (refer section 1.5 of this report). GHD disclaims liability arising from any of the assumptions being incorrect. Artist impression images are for indicative illustration purposes only.

GHD | Report for Transport for New South Wales - Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199

Table of contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 The power supply upgrade program .................................................................................... 1

1.3 The proposal ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.4 Structure of the REF ............................................................................................................ 3

1.5 Scope and methodology ...................................................................................................... 3

2. Location and setting ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Site location and description ................................................................................................ 5

2.2 The study area and site context ......................................................................................... 11

3. Statutory Framework .................................................................................................................... 14

3.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 .......................................................... 14

3.2 Environmental planning instruments .................................................................................. 14

3.3 Other legislative considerations ......................................................................................... 17

3.4 Summary of approval requirements ................................................................................... 20

4. Strategic context, need and options considered .......................................................................... 21

4.1 Strategic context and need for the proposal ...................................................................... 21

4.2 Proposal development process ......................................................................................... 21

4.3 Objectives of the proposal ................................................................................................. 22

4.4 Options considered ............................................................................................................ 22

5. Description of the proposal .......................................................................................................... 24

5.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................ 24

5.2 Gosford South substation .................................................................................................. 24

5.3 Wyoming sectioning hut ..................................................................................................... 26

5.4 Connections to existing overhead wiring system ............................................................... 27

5.5 Decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford substation ............................... 28

5.6 Construction information .................................................................................................... 28

5.7 Operation of the proposal .................................................................................................. 31

5.8 Sustainability ...................................................................................................................... 32

6. Stakeholder and community consultation .................................................................................... 35

6.1 Consultation for the proposal ............................................................................................. 35

6.2 Targeted consultation ........................................................................................................ 36

6.3 Future consultation activities ............................................................................................. 36

7. Environmental impact assessment .............................................................................................. 37

7.1 Soils, water quality and flooding ........................................................................................ 37

7.2 Flora and fauna .................................................................................................................. 44

7.3 Visual amenity .................................................................................................................... 50

7.4 Heritage ............................................................................................................................. 53

7.5 Traffic and access .............................................................................................................. 57


7.6 Noise and vibration ............................................................................................................ 61

7.7 Air quality ........................................................................................................................... 76

7.8 Land use and socio-economic ........................................................................................... 78

7.9 Electromagnetic energy ..................................................................................................... 79

7.10 Waste management ........................................................................................................... 81

7.11 Cumulative impacts ............................................................................................................ 82

8. Environmental management ........................................................................................................ 85

8.1 Environmental management plan ...................................................................................... 85

8.2 Summary of mitigation measures ...................................................................................... 85

9. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 91

9.1 Justification of the proposal ............................................................................................... 91

9.2 Summary of REF findings .................................................................................................. 91

9.3 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 92

10. References ................................................................................................................................... 94

Table index Table 1-1 Structure and content of the REF ........................................................................................ 3

Table 3-1 SEPP 71 Matters for consideration .................................................................................... 15

Table 3-2 Consideration of relevant legislation .................................................................................. 17

Table 3-3 EPBC Act protected matters search results ...................................................................... 20

Table 5-1 Daily construction traffic movements ................................................................................. 30

Table 5-2 Sustainable design guidelines compulsory initiatives ........................................................ 32

Table 7-1 Listed non-Aboriginal heritage items within about 500 metres of the sites ....................... 55

Table 7-2 Potential impacts on non-Aboriginal heritage items .......................................................... 56

Table 7-3 Average background and ambient noise levels at logger locations .................................. 65

Table 7-4 Proposal specific construction noise criteria ...................................................................... 66

Table 7-5 Proposal specific operational noise criteria ....................................................................... 67

Table 7-6 Predicted construction noise levels (dB(A)) for standard hours ........................................ 69

Table 7-7 Predicted worst case outside of standard hours receiver levels ....................................... 70

Table 7-8 Vibration buffer distances (metres) .................................................................................... 72

Table 7-9 Predicted operational noise levels during normal operations (dB(A)) ............................... 74

Table 7-10 Predicted operational noise levels during DCCB tripping (dB(A)) ..................................... 74

Table 8-1 Mitigation measures ........................................................................................................... 86


Figure index Figure 1-1 Site location ......................................................................................................................... 2

Figure 2-1 Gosford South substation proposed site and key features .................................................. 9

Figure 2-2 Wyoming sectioning hut and existing Gosford substation proposed site and key features .............................................................................................................................. 10

Figure 3-1 Gosford LEP Zoning .......................................................................................................... 19

Figure 7-1 Soils and water resources ................................................................................................. 40

Figure 7-2 SEPP 71 and SEPP 14 mapping and indicative catchment flooding ................................ 41

Figure 7-3 Gosford South substation vegetation ................................................................................. 49

Figure 7-4 Wyoming sectioning hut and existing Gosford substation vegetation ............................... 49

Figure 7-5 Heritage ............................................................................................................................. 54

Figure 7-6 Noise catchment area 1 ..................................................................................................... 63

Figure 7-7 Noise catchment area 2. .................................................................................................... 64

Appendices Appendix A – .................................................................... Pre concept plans and architectural drawings

Appendix B – ...................................... Likelihood of occurrence of threatened biota and migratory biota

Appendix C – ............................................................................... Noise and vibration assessment report

Appendix D – Clause 228 factors and ecologically sustainable development considerations under the EP&A Act

Appendix E – ............................................................................................ Electromagnetic energy report


Glossary of terms Term Definition

Air gap Where two overhead wiring runs overlap each other.

Circuit breakers Manually or automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. The basic function is to detect a fault condition and interrupt current flow.

dB(A) Decibel expressed with the frequency weighting filter used to measure ‘A-weighted’ sound pressure levels, which conforms more or less to the human ear response, as our hearing is less sensitive at low and high frequencies.

Feeders In the context of the Power Supply Upgrade Program, a feeder is either: a high voltage (HV) alternating current AC cable coming in to the substation

from the Sydney Trains supply or from Ausgrid a cable supplying 1500 volts DC from the traction substation to the

overhead wiring system.

LA90(period) The A-weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for 90% of the time over which a given sound is measured. This is considered to represent the background noise e.g. LA90(15 min).

LAeq(period) Equivalent sound pressure level: the steady sound level that, over a specified period of time, would produce the same energy equivalence as the fluctuating sound level actually occurring.

Proposal Refers to the construction and operation of Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut and demolition of the existing Gosford Substation.

Proposal site The immediate location of the proposal, which is the area that has the potential to be directly disturbed by construction.

RailCorp Former Rail Corporation of NSW, now referred to as Sydney Trains.

Rectifiers An electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction. The process is known as rectification.

Sectioning hut A building which is generally located between substations and contains circuit breakers. It provides protection and sectioning of the overhead traction supply system and, on multiple tracks, improves voltage regulation.

Study area Consists of land in the vicinity of the proposal site, including land that has the potential to be indirectly impacted by the proposal.

Sydney Trains Former Rail Corporation of NSW (RailCorp).

Traction substation A traction substation is an electrical substation that converts electric power from the form provided by the electricity provider to an appropriate voltage, current type and frequency able to be used to the supply the rail network with power.

GHD | Report for Transport for New South Wales – Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199 | i

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_network

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overcurrent

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_circuit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power_conversion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternating_current

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_substation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_power_industry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_current

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency

List of abbreviations Abbreviation Definition

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

AHIMS Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System

CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan

DC Direct Current

DCCB Direct Current Circuit Breaker.

DoE Department of Environment

DECC Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW

DPI Department of Primary Industries

EME Electromagnetic energy

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999

EPL Environmental Protection Licence

FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994

GHD GHD Pty Ltd

GST Galvanised Steel Trough

Heritage Act Heritage Act 1977

HV high voltage

ISEPP State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007

kV kilovolt

LEP Local Environmental Plan

LGA Local Government Area

m2 square metre

m metre

MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance

MW megawatt

NSW New South Wales

NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

OHW Overhead Wiring (the 1500V DC contact wire used to power trains)

POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

PSU Program Power Supply Upgrade Program

REF Review of Environmental Factors

RMS Roads and Maritime Services

ii | GHD Transport for New South Wales – Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199

Abbreviation Definition

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy

TEC Threatened Ecological Communities

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

V volt

GHD | Report for Transport for New South Wales – Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199 | iii

Executive summary Overview

This Review of Environmental Factors (REF) considers the potential impacts of the construction and operation of a new traction substation and sectioning hut at Gosford (the proposal). It has been prepared by GHD Pty Ltd on behalf of Transport for NSW to assess the potential impacts of the proposal, and assist Transport for NSW determine the proposal in accordance with the provisions of Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

Why is the proposal needed?

The PSU Program was initiated by RailCorp in 2005 to ensure that Sydney’s rail network will be capable of meeting the expected power requirements of future train timetables, and the requirements of the new generation of air conditioned trains (for example, Waratah trains). The PSU Program involves constructing new electrical infrastructure and upgrading substations, sectioning huts, overhead wiring and electrical feeders across the network.

The objective of the PSU Program is to upgrade the electrical infrastructure to:

support the introduction of air conditioned trains into service

provide additional power to operate trains on the network

improve service reliability by reducing the risk of disruption to rail services.

The delivery of the PSU Program was transferred to Transport for NSW in 2012.

Where would the proposal be located?

A power supply study undertaken as part of the program (RailCorp, 2012) found that a new substation and sectioning hut was required in the Gosford area. The proposal is located at three sites, all within the Gosford local government area:

Gosford South substation site

Wyoming sectioning hut site includes

existing Gosford substation site.

What would the proposal involve?

The proposal involves the construction of a new substation within the site where Sydney Trains civil depot and car park currently exist located next to the Central Coast Highway / the Brian McGowan Bridge, in the south of the suburb of Gosford. The new substation would supply traction power to the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line. A new sectioning hut (to be referred to as the Wyoming sectioning hut) will be constructed and operated close to the existing Gosford substation within the rail corridor on the western side of the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line. The proposal also involves decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford substation.

How long would the proposal take to construct?

Construction would commence in mid to late 2015. The proposal would take around 18 months to construct. The main civil construction activities would be completed in approximately 15 months, while the fit out of the substation would take approximately three months. The decommissioning works would take up to approximately three months.

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Summary of the findings of the REF

There are not considered to be any significant long-term environmental issues associated with the presence of the proposed Gosford South substation and the proposed Wyoming sectioning hut on the proposal site, or its operation. In the short-term, there may be minor adverse impacts associated with construction. The main potential impacts that would require management are:

traffic and access impacts associated with the need for heavy vehicles to access the site, the positioning of cranes and the requirement for some oversized deliveries and parking for construction staff

noise due to the operation of machinery and equipment

potential erosion and sedimentation impacting on water quality

management and disposal of contaminated and hazardous material from demolition waste and fill material impact surface and groundwater

indirect impacts on locally listed heritage items

minor amenity impacts.

These construction impacts would be relatively minor and short-term, and would be mitigated by the implementation of the mitigation measures.

Operational impacts would be limited to the presence of a new structure in the landscape, which may be visible from some residences near the proposed Wyoming sectioning hut (Campbell Street) and the proposed Gosford South substation (Riou Street) and users of Grahame Park. The design of the proposal, and the proposed form and finishes, has taken the visibility of the proposal site into account. The removal of the existing Gosford substation is not considered to have a detrimental visual impact on the surrounding environment.

The concept design for the proposal provides for the screening of noise generating equipment to ensure that the proposal meets the operational noise criteria.

The proposal would result in long-term positive impacts as it would increase the capacity of the rail corridor’s power supply network, enabling it to meet the projected increase in power demands on the rail network. This would provide long term benefits to users of the rail network.

Adverse environmental impacts would be minimised by implementing the mitigation measures listed in this REF, including preparing and implementing a construction environmental management plan.

Justification and conclusion

The proposal is needed to meet the actual and projected increase in power demands on the Sydney Trains electrical network.

The potential environmental impacts of the proposal have been assessed in accordance with section 111 of the EP&A Act, Clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It is considered that the adverse environmental impacts would be mainly short-term and localised in nature. With the adoption and implementation of the mitigation and management measures listed in this REF, the potential environmental impacts of the proposal would be adequately mitigated and managed, and are not considered to be significant.

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1. Introduction 1.1 Overview

Transport for NSW is currently undertaking the Power Supply Upgrade Program (the PSU Program) to meet the actual and projected increase in power demands on the Sydney Trains electrical network. A power supply study undertaken as part of the program (RailCorp, 2012) found that a new substation and sectioning hut was required in the Gosford area. This would provide additional capacity on the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line and allow for the decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford Substation, which has reached the end of its operational life.

To address the needs identified by the power study, Transport for NSW is proposing to construct and operate a new traction substation adjacent to the rail corridor in Gosford (to the south of the existing substation), and a new sectioning hut adjacent to the rail corridor.

The construction and operation of the substation at Gosford, the sectioning hut at Wyoming and decommissioning/demolition of the existing Gosford substation (referred to as ‘the proposal’ for the purposes of this document) is subject to assessment and determination under Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act). GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) was commissioned by Transport for NSW to undertake an assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the proposal, and prepare a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) in accordance with the EP&A Act.

1.2 The power supply upgrade program

The PSU Program aims to ensure that Sydney’s rail network will be capable of meeting the expected power requirements of future train timetables, and the requirements of the new generation of air conditioned trains (for example, Waratah trains). The PSU Program involves constructing new electrical infrastructure and upgrading substations, sectioning huts, overhead wiring and electrical feeders across the network.

The objective of the PSU Program is to upgrade the electrical network infrastructure to:

support the introduction of air conditioned trains into service

provide additional power to operate trains on the network

improve service reliability by reducing the risk of disruption to rail services.

1.3 The proposal

The proposal involves:

constructing and operating a new substation (to be referred to as the Gosford South substation) within the site where Sydney Trains civil depot and car park currently exist located next to the Brian McGowan Bridge, in the south of the suburb of Gosford

constructing and operating at new sectioning hut (to be referred to as the Wyoming sectioning hut) close to the existing Gosford substation within the rail corridor on the western side of the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line

decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford Substation.

The new substation would supply traction power to the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line. The location of the proposal is shown in Figure 1-1. A description of the proposal is provided in Section 5.

1 | GHD | Report for Transport for New South Wales – Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199

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1.4 Structure of the REF

The structure and content of the REF is summarised in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 Structure and content of the REF

Section Description

Section 1 – Introduction An introduction to the REF.

Section 2 – Location and setting

A description of the location, site and study area.

Section 3 – Statutory framework

An overview of the statutory requirements for the proposal, including the requirements of relevant environmental planning instruments and legislation.

Section 4 – Strategic context, need and options considered

An overview of the strategic context for the proposal, need, and the proposal development process.

Section 5 – Description of the proposal

A description of the proposal.

Section 6 – Community and stakeholder consultation

A summary of the consultation process and the key issues raised.

Section 7 – Environmental impact assessment

An assessment of the potential environmental impacts, including summaries of specialist reports prepared for the proposal.

Section 8 – Environmental management and mitigation

An outline of the requirements for the proposal’s environmental management plan, and a summary of the mitigation measures identified by the REF.

Section 9 – Conclusion A conclusion to the REF.

Section 10 – Reference list Provides a list of references for the REF.

1.5 Scope and methodology

1.5.1 Scope and purpose of the REF

For an activity subject to Part 5 of the EP&A Act, section 111 of the Act imposes a duty on a determining authority to ‘examine and take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of that activity’. Determining authorities make a determination about whether a proposal can proceed, and on what basis.

The purpose of this REF is to summarise the results of the environmental impact assessment for the proposal and provide information about the proposal as an input to the determination process. Transport for NSW (as the determining authority) will consider the findings of the REF as part of the determination process.

In summary, the REF will assist Transport for NSW to undertake the following:

determine whether the proposal should be approved, taking into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment (in accordance with section 111 of the EP&A Act)

determine whether the proposal is likely to have a significant effect on the environment or significantly affect threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their habitats.

Clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (the Regulation) lists, for the purposes of Part 5 of the EP&A Act, the factors to be taken into account when

GHD | Report for Transport for New South Wales – Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199 | 3

considering the likely impact of an activity on the environment. Table 3-2 considers the potential impacts of the proposal against these factors.

For the purposes of this REF, the following definitions have been applied:

The ‘proposal’ refers to the construction and operation of Gosford South substation, the construction and operation of the Wyoming sectioning hut, and the decommissioning of the existing Gosford substation.

The ‘substation’ refers to the proposed Gosford South substation.

The ‘proposal site’ is defined as the immediate location of the Gosford South substation and associated works (‘Gosford South substation site’), the location of the Wyoming sectioning hut (‘Wyoming sectioning hut site’) and the existing Gosford substation (‘existing Gosford substation site’). The proposal site is the area that has the potential to be directly disturbed during construction. It includes the footprint of the substation, sectioning hut and associated works, and a buffer area that would potentially be impacted by construction activities, the location of the decommissioning works, and construction compounds.

The ‘study area’ consists of land in the vicinity of, and including, the proposal site. The study area is the wider area surrounding the proposal site, including land that has the potential to be indirectly impacted by the proposal (for example, as a result of any noise impacts).

Other terms are defined in the glossary at the beginning of the REF.

1.5.2 Methodology

The REF has been prepared in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the pre-concept design team (SMEC); Transport for NSW; Gosford City Council and other relevant technical advisors and agencies. Preparing the REF has involved the following tasks:

attending a project inception meeting and briefing

receiving relevant information from Transport for NSW

a site visit, including a site inspection by a GHD ecologist

consultation and liaison with key stakeholders

undertaking a specialist noise and vibration assessment (undertaken by GHD)

undertaking an electromagnetic fields assessment (undertaken by EMC)

reviewing specialist assessments being undertaken as part of the design process (including the contamination and geotechnical assessments), and incorporating relevant information in the REF

a qualitative desktop assessment of other potential impacts, including reviews of existing information and database searches

identifying mitigation measures to manage the impacts identified

addressing the requirements of part 5 of the EP&A Act and clause 228 of the Regulation.

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2. Location and setting This section provides information on the location of the proposal, the proposal site and its surrounds (the study area).

2.1 Site location and description

The proposal is located at three sites, all within the Gosford local government area (LGA), as shown in Figure 1-1. The sites are shown in more detail in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 and comprise:


Wyoming sectioning hut site

existing Gosford substation site (to be decommissioned).

2.1.1 Gosford South substation site

The majority of the substation site is located within the existing Sydney Trains civil depot and car park site (Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 872939 and Part Lot 116 in Deposited Plan 1184862). The depot site is located adjacent to the Brian McGowan Bridge and Fagans Bay (part of Brisbane Water), and close to the intersection of the Central Coast Highway and the Pacific Highway. Some associated works to electricity transmissions lines would occur outside of the depot boundary, within land that forms part of the road corridor. The Central Coast Highway passes directly over the site (see Plate 1).

The site has an overall area of about 5,160 square metres.

The Sydney Trains civil depot contains a main office building, vehicle parking and workshops relating to this use (see Plate 2). It is a relatively flat site, which lies slightly lower than the surrounding roads and railway line, but is raised above the water level to the south on concrete pavement. A stormwater drain runs under the depot site and discharges just beyond the southern boundary directly into Fagans Bay.

The substation site is already fully fenced on all sides. Access to the site is via an existing access gate off Riou Street/Pacific Highway (to the north of the site).


Plate 1 Gosford South substation site looking north towards the site entrance

Plate 2 Gosford South substation site looking south from the site entrance


2.1.2 Wyoming sectioning hut site

The Wyoming sectioning hut site and the existing Gosford substation are located within the suburb of Gosford but adjacent to the boundary of two other suburbs: Wyoming and North Gosford. The proposal site for the sectioning hut comprises mainly Lot 3 on the deposited plan 814097. The existing Gosford substation comprises Lot 2 on the deposited plan 513426.

The potential footprint for the sectioning hut is about 50 square metres; and approximate dimensions of ten by five metres. This area is narrow and is on a short but steep embankment which slopes down towards Showground Road with the railway line rising slightly higher to the immediate east (see Plate 3).

The site for the proposed sectioning hut is within the rail corridor and will be located next to an existing switch compound building (see Plate 4). The switch compound building has a small yard and access gate on its southern side with limited space for a maintenance vehicle.

Railway improvements works not associated with this proposal but as part of the Gosford Passing Loop were ongoing around the Wyoming site at the time of writing this report.

2.1.3 Existing Gosford substation

The existing substation is situated outside of the rail corridor on the corner of Showground Road and Glennie Street West occupying an area of about 1814 square metres; and approximate dimensions of 56 by 40 metres. The site comprises the substation building, transmission equipment and overhead and underground cabling. The site is flat and on a similar topography as neighbouring areas. Connections to the Sydney Water potable water and wastewater network already exist at the site. The site is fully enclosed with security fencing fitted with hazard signage.

Overhead power lines run along the length of the proposal site and are located to the immediate east of the rail corridor fence and crisscross over the existing substation.

Access to the site for the sectioning hut is via Showground Road and the existing Gosford substation from Glennie Street West. There are currently two access points into the existing substation, off Glennie Street West.


Plate 3 Wyoming sectioning hut site looking north towards the location for the proposed sectioning hut on the right

Plate 4 Wyoming sectioning hut site looking north towards the location for

the proposed sectioning hut on the right and the existing Gosford substation on the left


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2.2 The study area and site context

Key features of the study area are shown on Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2. The study area comprises the three sites and the area immediately surrounding these sites. The study area comprises mainly industrial, commercial and infrastructure land uses with residential areas separated from the proposal site by transportation infrastructure.

2.2.1 Gosford South substation site

Land uses to the immediate south of the proposal site comprise a strip of vegetation along the shore of Fagans Bay/Brisbane Water separated from the site by a fence. Grey Mangroves (Avicennia marina subsp. australasica) and Casuarinas (Casuarina sp.) are located along the adjacent shoreline. A stormwater drain runs under the proposal site and exits just beyond the southern boundary directly into Fagans Bay. The site adjoins Carawah Reserve to the west of the proposal site. A flora and fauna assessment is provided in section 7.2.

The eastern boundary is formed by the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line, beyond which is Grahame Park and the Central Coast stadium which is about 50 metres at the closest point and beyond this is commercial and residential areas of Gosford.

Immediately to the north of the site is the Pacific Highway, Central Coast Highway and Riou Street which forms a slip road leading on to the highway (see Plate 5). A cycle and footpath and grassed road reservation bounds the north of the site.

The nearest residential properties are located about 80 metres to the north of the site on the opposite side of Riou Street/Pacific Highway (see Plate 6). Mature trees provide a buffer for some residential properties from Riou Street, the Central Coast Highway and the proposal site.

Plate 5 Central Coast Highway and slip road adjacent to Gosford South substation site, looking north west from the depot site entrance


Plate 6 Residential properties opposite Gosford South substation site, looking north from the site

2.2.2 Wyoming sectioning hut site

The site for the proposed sectioning hut is bounded to the east by the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line and is located adjacent to Showground Road at the intersection with Glennie Street West. Commercial properties lie to the north and west of the site. The existing Gosford substation is situated on the intersection of Showground Road and Glennie Street West. Two commercial properties are located to the immediate north and east of the proposal site. These are:

Central Coast Clutch and Brake – located on Showground Road opposite the sectioning hut site and adjacent to the existing substation

SBO Automotive – located to the west of the proposal site adjacent to the existing substation.

A number of other commercial properties are located opposite the site for the sectioning hut along Showground Road (see Plate 7).

To the south is Gosford Showground, the closest point is about 25 metres from existing Gosford substation, separated by Glennie Street West. The showground has several entrances off Showground Road and a main visitor entrance off Glennie Street West, about 50 metres to the west of the existing Gosford substation. The showground has facilities for greyhound Racing Speedway, Go Karts, and buildings utilised for expos and other community and private events.

Residential properties lie to the east of the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line. The nearest residential properties are located on the opposite side of the railway corridor about 50 metres to the south east of the proposal site (see Plate 8).


Plate 7 Commercial properties opposite the proposed location for the sectioning hut, looking north

Plate 8 Residential properties to the south east of Wyoming sectioning hut site, looking east


3. Statutory Framework This section provides an overview of the statutory framework relevant to the proposal, including the assessment requirements, relevant environmental legislation and planning instruments.

3.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The EP&A Act and the Regulation provide the statutory basis for planning and environmental assessment in NSW. The EP&A Act provides the framework for environmental planning and development approvals and includes provisions to ensure that the potential environmental impacts of a development are assessed and considered in the decision making process.

3.1.1 Application of Part 5 of the EP&A Act

As a result of the application of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (the Infrastructure SEPP), the proposal is subject to Part 5 of the EP&A Act (refer section 3.2.1). In relation to Part 5 activities, section 111 of the EP&A Act imposes a duty on a determining authority to ‘examine and take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of that activity’.

Section 110(1) defines a determining authority as ‘a Minister or public authority and, in relation to any activity, means the Minister or public authority by or on whose behalf the activity is or is to be carried out or any Minister or public authority whose approval is required in order to enable the activity to be carried out’.

In accordance with Clause 79 of the Infrastructure SEPP, Transport for NSW is the proponent and determining authority for the proposal. This REF has been prepared to satisfy Transport for NSW’s requirements under the EP&A Act.

3.2 Environmental planning instruments

The environmental planning instruments that are relevant to the approval and assessment of the proposal are considered below.

3.2.1 State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007

The Infrastructure SEPP outlines the permissibility and development controls for infrastructure works and facilities. Clause 79 of the Infrastructure SEPP outlines which railway infrastructure facilities are permissible without the need for development consent under the EP&A Act. As the proposal meets the definitions of rail infrastructure facilities provided by clause 78, it is permissible without consent.

Clauses 13 to 16 of the Infrastructure SEPP outline the requirements for consultation with councils and other public authorities for infrastructure development carried out by or on behalf of a public authority. The proposal would not trigger any of these requirements, and therefore consultation with Gosford City Council (Council) and other public authorities is not required under the Infrastructure SEPP. However, relevant agencies have been, and will continue to be, consulted in relation to the proposal. Further details of the consultation process are provided in section 6.


State Environmental Planning Policy 14 - Coastal Wetlands

State Environmental Planning Policy 14 – Coastal Wetlands (SEPP 14) seeks to control development within coastal wetland areas for environmental and economic considerations. Any development within or near listed wetlands must be considered for the impact it might have on the environment, and whether or not the proposal is avoidable within these areas, before consent is granted.

As the project footprint does not directly affect the SEPP 14 mapped areas, the SEPP is not applicable to the proposal. Notwithstanding, the intent of SEPP 14 has been considered in this assessment as some vegetation within Fagans Bay and adjacent to garnet Adcock Memorial Park is mapped as SEPP 14 wetland. This wetland is located about 200 metres from the study area at the closest point with details on riparian habitats associated with the SEPP 14 wetland within Fagans Bay provided in section 7.2. Mitigation measures have been recommended to reduce impacts on aquatic habitats and SEPP 14 wetlands downstream of the project site.

State Environmental Planning Policy 71 – Coastal Protection

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 71 – Coastal Protection controls development within the Coastal Zone. The Gosford South substation site is located within the Coastal Zone. The site is located within a zone classified as coastal protection under an environmental planning instrument.

Clause 8 of the SEPP lists the matters for consideration that need to be taken into account by a consent authority when it determines a development application to carry out development on land to which this Policy applies:

The matters for consideration are included in Table 3-1 along with a comment in relation to each matter for consideration.

Table 3-1 SEPP 71 Matters for consideration

SEPP 71 Matters for Consideration Section where addressed

(a) the aims of this Policy set out in clause 2,

(a) to protect and manage the natural, cultural, recreational and economic attributes of the New South Wales coast, and

(b) to protect and improve existing public access to and along coastal foreshores to the extent that this is compatible with the natural attributes of the coastal foreshore, and

(c) to ensure that new opportunities for public access to and along coastal foreshores are identified and realised to the extent that this is compatible with the natural attributes of the coastal foreshore, and

(d) to protect and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage, and Aboriginal places, values, customs, beliefs and traditional knowledge, and

(e) to ensure that the visual amenity of the coast is protected, and

(f) to protect and preserve beach environments and beach amenity, and

(g) to protect and preserve native coastal vegetation, and

(h) to protect and preserve the marine environment of New South Wales, and

(i) to protect and preserve rock platforms, and

(j) to manage the coastal zone in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development (within the meaning of section 6 (2) of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991), and

(k) to ensure that the type, bulk, scale and size of development is appropriate for the location and protects and improves the natural scenic quality of the

Section 6 N/A N/A Section 7.4 Section 7.3 Section 7.2 Section 7.2 Section 7.2 N/A Section 9.2


SEPP 71 Matters for Consideration Section where addressed

surrounding area, and

(l) to encourage a strategic approach to coastal management

Section 4.4 N/A

(b) existing public access to and along the coastal foreshore for pedestrians or persons with a disability should be retained and, where possible, public access to and along the coastal foreshore for pedestrians or persons with a disability should be improved

N/A

(c) opportunities to provide new public access to and along the coastal foreshore for pedestrians or persons with a disability

N/A

(d) the suitability of development given its type, location and design and its relationship with the surrounding area

Section 4.4 and section 7

(e) any detrimental impact that development may have on the amenity of the coastal foreshore, including any significant overshadowing of the coastal foreshore and any significant loss of views from a public place to the coastal foreshore

Section 7.3

(f) the scenic qualities of the New South Wales coast, and means to protect and improve these qualities

Section 7.3

(g) measures to conserve animals (within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995) and plants (within the meaning of that Act), and their habitats

Section 7.2

(h) measures to conserve fish (within the meaning of Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994) and marine vegetation (within the meaning of that Part), and their habitats

Section 7.2

(i) existing wildlife corridors and the impact of development on these corridors Section 7.2

(j) the likely impact of coastal processes and coastal hazards on development and any likely impacts of development on coastal processes and coastal hazards

Section 7.1

(k) measures to reduce the potential for conflict between land-based and water-based coastal activities

N/A

(l) measures to protect the cultural places, values, customs, beliefs and traditional knowledge of Aboriginals

Section 7.4

(m) likely impacts of development on the water quality of coastal waterbodies Section 7.1

(n) the conservation and preservation of items of heritage, archaeological or historic significance

Section 7.4

(o) only in cases in which a council prepares a draft local environmental plan that applies to land to which this Policy applies, the means to encourage compact towns and cities

N/A

(p) only in cases in which a development application in relation to proposed development is determined:

(i) the cumulative impacts of the proposed development on the environment, and

(ii) measures to ensure that water and energy usage by the proposed development is efficient.

Section 7.11

3.2.2 Local environmental plan

The Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 (the Gosford LEP) applies to the land in which the proposal site is located. The proposal site is located within land zoned as the following (refer Figure 3-1):


Gosford South substation: SP2 Infrastructure (rail infrastructure facility)

Wyoming sectioning hut: SP2 Infrastructure (rail infrastructure facility)

existing Gosford substation: IN1 General industrial.

The zone provisions provide that the proposal can be carried out in these zones with consent. However, clause 5.12 of the LEP states that ‘…this Plan does not restrict or prohibit, or enable the restriction or prohibition of, the carrying out of any development, by or on behalf of a public authority, that is permitted to be carried out with or without development consent, or that is exempt development, under State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007’. As the proposal is permitted without consent under the Infrastructure SEPP, the consent requirements of the Gosford LEP do not apply to the proposal.

3.3 Other legislative considerations

3.3.1 NSW legislation

Other environmental legislation that is directly relevant to the approval and/or assessment of the proposal is considered in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2 Consideration of relevant legislation

Act Potential approval requirement for rail infrastructure

Relevance to the proposal

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act)

An environment protection licence (EPL) is required for scheduled activities or scheduled development work.

The proposal is not considered to be a scheduled activity under Schedule 1 of the POEO Act and therefore an EPL is not required for construction. Sydney Trains currently holds an EPL for the operation of the rail network (EPL no. 12208).The proposal would comply with the requirements of this licence as well as the general obligations of the POEO Act. No variation of this licence is considered to be required.

Roads Act 1993 Approval under section 138 for works to a public road

Relevant road occupancy licences would be obtained from Council as required during the construction phase.

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

A heritage impact permit under section 87 of the Act to harm or desecrate an Aboriginal heritage object.

There are no listed Aboriginal heritage items or places located on or within 200 metres of the site. As a result of the existing levels of site disturbance, there is minimal likelihood that unknown items of Aboriginal heritage significance would be present. Further information is provided in section 7.4

Water Management Act 2000 and Water Act 1912

Licence for dewatering and interception of groundwater

Excavation work would be undertaken as part of the proposal, and it is possible that groundwater would be intercepted. Subject to confirmation with the Department of Primary Industries Office of Water, if Transport for NSW (as determining authority) determines that the proposal is a ‘defined minimal impact aquifer interference activity’, a license would not be required.


Act Potential approval requirement for rail infrastructure

Relevance to the proposal

Heritage Act 1977 Approval under section 57(1) for works to a place, building, work, relic, moveable object, precinct, or land listed on the State Heritage Register. An excavation permit under section 139 to disturb or excavate any land containing or likely to contain a relic.

There are no listed heritage items located within the proposal sites. There are two locally listed heritage sites adjacent to the proposal sites. As a result of the existing levels of site disturbance, there is minimal likelihood that unknown items of historic significance or relics would be present. Further information is provided in section 7.4

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act)

The TSC Act lists threatened species, populations or ecological communities to be considered in deciding whether there is likely to be a significant impact on threatened biota, or their habitats. If any of these could be impacted by the project, an assessment of significance that addresses the requirements of section 5A of the EP&A Act must be completed to determine the significance of the impact.

The proposal site has been cleared in the past and subject to previous disturbance. The proposal would not result in any impacts to listed flora, fauna or communities, and a species impact statement is not required. Further information is provided in section 7.2.

Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act)

An objective of the FM Act is to conserve key fish habitats. DPI has produced the Policy and guidelines for fish habitat conservation and management (DPI 2013). This plan applies to the following developments, works or activities, each of which can impact on fish habitat: • dredging or reclamation • impeding fish passage • damaging marine vegetation

The proposal would not include dredging, reclamation, blockage of fish passage or damaging marine vegetation during either construction or operation. The Gosford substation would be constructed on hardstand near mangroves (marine vegetation). Construction of the substation is unlikely to ‘harm’ the mangroves. A permit would not be required.

Noxious Weeds Act 1993

Under Part 3 Division 1 of the Act, all private landowners, occupiers, public authorities and Councils are required to control noxious weeds on their land.

No noxious weeds have been recorded within the proposal site.


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3.3.2 Commonwealth legislation

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999

An Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) protected matters search was undertaken in December 2014. The results of the search are summarised in Table 3-3. As no impacts are predicted, an approval under the EPBC Act would not be required.

Table 3-3 EPBC Act protected matters search results

EPBC Act protected matter

Matter located within 1km search radius

Comments Potential impact

World Heritage Property None The proposal would not impact on any World Heritage properties.

None

National Heritage Places None The proposal would not impact on any National Heritage properties.

None

Wetlands of international significance (Ramsar sites)

None The proposal would not impact on any wetlands.

None

Threatened ecological communities

One The proposal would not impact on any threatened ecological communities.

None

Threatened species 51 in the Gosford search area and 30 in the Wyoming search area.

The proposal is located within a highly disturbed and developed urban area with limited vegetation (native or otherwise) that would provide habitat for threatened and migratory species.

None

Listed migratory species 35 in the Gosford search area and 12 in the Wyoming search area.

None

Nuclear actions None The proposal does not involve a nuclear action.

None

Commonwealth Marine Areas

None No Commonwealth marine areas are located within the search radius.

None

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

None The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is outside the search radius.

None

Commonwealth land None The proposal would not impact on any Commonwealth land.

None

A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development

Not relevant Not relevant. None

3.4 Summary of approval requirements

As a result of the application of the Infrastructure SEPP the proposal does not require development consent and it is subject to assessment and determination under Part 5 of the EP&A Act. No additional approvals are required.


4. Strategic context, need and options considered This section provides background information on the strategic and planning context for the proposal, why it is needed, and the options considered.

4.1 Strategic context and need for the proposal

4.1.1 Strategic context

The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan (Transport for NSW, 2012) provides a framework for addressing transport challenges across NSW over the next 20 years. The master plan is designed to guide the prioritisation of available funds to deliver maximum benefits to NSW. The master plan includes 220 short, medium and long-term actions that are focused on transforming the NSW transport system.

One of the actions within the master plan is to ‘Expand the Sydney Trains fleet to include modernised double-deck and new single-deck trains’. Within the next 10 years, around 52 per cent of the existing fleet would be replaced, and the size of the fleet would increase by around 28 per cent. This would involve the introduction of new rolling stock, which includes an air conditioned fleet.

The proposal involves the provision of infrastructure required to meet the needs of the expanded Sydney Trains fleet, and is therefore consistent with the master plan.

The Rebuilding NSW State Infrastructure Strategy (NSW Government, 2014) has highlighted the importance of sustaining productivity growth in major urban centres and regional communities, as well as supporting population growth toward almost six million people in Sydney and more than nine million people in NSW. The strategy provides the NSW Government’s commitments to investing in new infrastructure, including rail infrastructure improvements.

4.1.2 Need for the proposal

To meet the needs of the expanded and air conditioned rail fleet and the operation of the 2016 timetable, an increase in the capacity of the power supply on the Sydney Trains electrical network is required. A power study (RailCorp, 2012) undertaken as part of the PSU Program identified that a new substation and sectioning hut was required in the Gosford area to:

provide additional capacity on the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line

allow for the decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford Substation, which has reached the end of its recommended economic life.

4.2 Proposal development process

The power study report identified that the best way to address the identified needs would be to develop a new substation and sectioning hut at Gosford, in the vicinity of the existing substation (RailCorp, 2012).


Transport for NSW has prepared pre-concept designs for a new substation within an existing rail depot site adjacent to Brisbane Waters, and a new sectioning hut within the rail corridor at Wyoming. The design process also involves an options review, geotechnical and environmental impact assessment. The potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the Gosford South Substation, the Wyoming Sectioning Hut and the demolition of the existing Gosford substation are summarised in this REF.

4.3 Objectives of the proposal

The objectives of the proposal are to:

establish a new traction substation and sectioning hut at Gosford and Wyoming in accordance with the findings of the power study (RailCorp, 2012)

ensure the reliable operation of Waratah trains, and transition to an air-conditioned fleet

improve traction power reliability, availability and capacity in the Gosford area

improve the normal system configuration voltage regulation at Gosford and allow the existing Gosford Substation to be decommissioned and demolished

achieve regulatory compliance and meet all Asset Standards Authority (includes Railcorp standards) and Australian Standards.

4.4 Options considered

4.4.1 The ‘do nothing’ option

The ‘do nothing’ option involves not undertaking the proposal. Under this option, no new substation or sectioning hut would be constructed at Gosford. This option is not considered to be acceptable, as it would result in the Sydney Trains electrical network not being able to meet the needs described in section 4.1. Studies have already shown that the existing power supply network cannot meet the future needs of the Sydney Trains network.

4.4.2 Preferred substation location

Following a review of site options only one location option was nominated by Transport for NSW as suitable for the Gosford South substation. The site was selected because it has the space for a substation, is located adjacent to the rail network in the location preferred by the power study.

A number of other location options were considered for the substation site within the locality of Gosford. However they were rejected for the following reasons:

Transport for NSW owned land at the corner of Showground Road and Etna Road (closer to Gosford Station): this site is currently leased to residential tenants. Building a substation at the site would require termination of the lease or relocation of the tenants which is not preferred by Transport for NSW.

Transport for NSW owned land opposite Gosford High School at the corner of Showground Road and Etna Road (away from Gosford station): this site is less feasible for connection to overhead wire overlaps. Furthermore, building a substation at the site would involve using land currently used for parking by Gosford High School.

Commercial land at the corner of Etna Road/Pacific Highway: this site is on land not owned by Transport for NSW and is occupied by a commercial property. Acquisition of this property would result in significant time delays. Furthermore, the site is located on the opposite side of high voltage feeders resulting in additional cost to provide the necessary connections.


NSW Trains staff car park Showground Road: this site is not suitable because it is too narrow for the installation of rectifier transformers.

4.4.3 Sectioning hut site - Showground Road opposite the existing Gosford Substation

Only one location option for the sectioning hut was nominated by Transport for NSW. The proposed site was selected because it is located close to the substation site and within the rail corridor, there is sufficient land available, and there is ready access to the road network.


5. Description of the proposal This section provides a description of the proposal, based on the design work undertaken to date. This includes an overview of the key components and design features of the substation and sectioning hut, and a description of how they would be constructed and operated.

5.1 Overview

The proposal is currently at the pre-concept stage. Information related to design of the proposal would be confirmed when the detailed design is finalised. The following description is based on the pre-concept design and construction scope of works prepared by SMEC in March 2015.

The design of the proposal would continue to be refined during future design phases. The detailed design would integrate all relevant considerations, including:

urban design and visual

environmental and sustainability

functional and operational needs and requirements

access and maintenance

security.

Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 show the location of the Gosford South substation and Wyoming sectioning hut. Architectural drawings and site plans for are provided in Appendix A.

5.2 Gosford South substation

5.2.1 Building and equipment

The proposal would include a substation building with external, bounded high voltage (HV) and/or 1500 volt (V) direct current (DC) enclosures at ground level to house the electrical equipment and associated facilities.

The maximum external height of the building would be about six metres above the ground level. In addition, there would be a basement level below ground. The total size of the substation building would be about 47 metres long by 15 metres wide. The substation building would have a floor area of about 705 square metres.

The cable chamber would be used to reticulate cables within the substation and sectioning hut, with in-ground cable pits and buried conduits used to house cables connecting the substation to the existing rail network.

Level one of building would have an internal clear height from the ground level of about 2.4 metres or a minimum finished floor level above the 1:100 year flood level. Electrical equipment within the building would be accessed by roller shutter doors located off a walkway on the western sides of the building, with the main personnel entrance also located on the western side. The 1500 V switchroom would be an outdoor yard located at the northern end of the building adjacent to the overhead wiring structure for the HV connection.

The external yard would be located at ground level on the east and north side of the substation building. The yards would be bunded and would contain a transformer and a reactor.

The substation would generally contain the following facilities and equipment:

two 5.35 MW 66 kV/600-600 V rectifier transformer

one 66/11 kV 1 MV power transformer


two 66 kV 600/433 V auxiliary transformer

one 0.5 millihenry 4000 amp reactor

two sections of 66 kV AC switchboard

1500 V DC circuit breakers

battery set and battery charger

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) remote terminal facilities

protection relays

11 kV switchgear

11 kV harmonic filter

1500 V DC harmonic filter

distribution boards

changeover panel

administration office

staff toilet

other ancillary equipment.

The external bunded yards containing the rectifier transformers and reactor would be connected to a common oil-water separator system, via flame trap pits within each bund. The yards would be designed to ensure that any oil spills are contained on-site within the bund and/or the oil separator pit.

5.2.2 Building design and form

The cable chamber would be constructed on a concrete floor slab supported on bored piers. Conduits would be laid under the floor for the external HV connections. A steel framed structure would be constructed off the ground floor slab to support the first floor slab.

The walls of the cable chamber and switchroom would consist of concrete wall panels. The roof of the substation would consist of a galvanised steel frame.

Apart from the air conditioned office space, the substation would be naturally ventilated, with high and low level storm-proof louvres on the eastern and western facades of the building.

5.2.3 Other site buildings

The existing depot site contains a number of storage sheds and administrative buildings. The storage sheds situated along the southern boundary of the site and the administrative building on the eastern boundary will be demolished to provide the space needed for the new substation and access around the substation. The main office building on the western side of the site will be retained for continued use by Sydney Trains.

5.2.4 Security fencing and lighting

The substation would be located within the current Sydney Trains civil depot and car park, which is fenced. Additional fencing would be provided around the substation part of site. The height and design of the fence would be as per the Sydney Trains substation fencing standards.

The substation would have wall mounted security lighting above each door opening for night-time illumination. External yards would have lights that would be manually switched for night maintenance as required.


5.2.5 Operational access and car parking

The existing vehicular access gate from Riou Street into the Sydney Trains civil depot and car park would continue to be used as the substation site entrance. One emergency gate would be provided from the site to the Central Coast Highway for personnel access.

Parking for two to three utility vehicles would be provided on the north side of the substation.

5.2.6 Chemical storage

It is likely that the following quantities of oil would be used within the oil-cooled transformers on-site, which would be located within appropriately secure and bunded areas attached to the substation building:

about 3,300 litres of oil in the reactor

about 5,500 litres of oil in the rectifier transformer.

The bunded areas would be designed and constructed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards. Each transformer would be positioned within its own bunded yard, which would be connected via complying sump and flame-trap arrangements to the common oil-water separator located at the northern end of the substation. The oil-water separator would collect all run off from the outdoor yards. The oil and water separator would separate any oil from the water. The water would be discharged to the stormwater while any oil would be removed from site for disposal at an appropriately licensed facility.

5.3 Wyoming sectioning hut

5.3.1 Building and equipment

The dimensions of the building are approximately ten metres by five metres, and about three metres in height from the concrete base. In addition to the sectioning hut the structure would have additional footpath connecting it to the access point. The total size of the building including the concrete base would be about 10 metres long by five metres wide. The building would have a floor area of about 50 square metres.

The sectioning hut would include the following facilities and equipment:

1500 V direct current circuit breaker (DCCB) feeders

SCADA and remote terminal facilities

isolation transformer

battery set and battery charger

distribution boards.

5.3.2 Building design and form

The sectioning hut building would incorporate a metal framed or brick, metal clad structure. The building would be constructed off site and equipment fitted before being transported to the site.

The building would be constructed at site on cast-in-situ concrete bored piers. A concrete trench would be placed under the western edge of building, with conduit or trench interconnection to existing cableways.


5.3.3 Security fencing and lighting

The sectioning hut would be located within the rail corridor, which is fenced. Security fencing is proposed to replace existing boundary fencing on Showground Road. The walls on either side of the hut would provide the required security for the site.

The sectioning hut building would have wall mounted security lighting above each door opening for night-time illumination. The external yard would have lights that would be manually switched for night maintenance as required.

5.3.4 Operational access and car parking

Access to the site would be via the switching compound access gate. This gate is to the south of the sectioning hut off Showground Road.

5.4 Connections to existing overhead wiring system

5.4.1 Connection of Gosford South substation to existing HV AC feeders

66 kV feeder connections

The existing 66 kV feeder would enter the proposed Gosford South substation either via cable or aerial route with additional transmission poles subject to final design. Aerial earth wire would also be installed on either side of the substation. The redundant aerial wires would be removed and poles modified subject to final aerial arrangements. The cable route would either be buried or placed within a galvanised steel trough (GST).

The proposed alignment of the feeder connections is shown in Appendix A.

11 kV feeder connections

The existing 11 kV feeder north of the substation would be cabled into the proposed substation. A cable route from the proposed Gosford South substation would then be connected through a new underline or an overhead crossing to the existing aerial feeder south of the substation. The cable route would either be buried or placed within a GST.

The proposed alignment of the feeder connections is shown in Appendix A.

5.4.2 Connection of substation and sectioning hut to 1500 V DC overhead wiring system

Substation

The 1500 V DC traction feeder cables would be connected to the existing Sydney Trains overhead wiring located inside the rail corridor. The 1500 V DC feeder connection would also include positive cabling between the proposed Gosford South substation and the existing overhead wire feeding locations, and decommissioning of all redundant cables.

Sectioning hut

The existing 1500 V DC traction feeder cables from the sectioning hut would be connected to existing Sydney Trains overhead wiring (OHW) via the new switch yard located inside the rail corridor that was constructed as part of the Gosford Passing Loops rail project.


5.4.3 Service connections and relocation

Service connections

The proposal would involve connections to existing services networks for both sites, including connections to Council’s water and stormwater network. The proposal would involve constructing underground cables and pipeline connections to these existing services. Pipelines would be constructed of a suitable material.

Service relocations

Service relocations required for the proposal include:

communication and signalling cabling run within the rail corridor close to the proposed sectioning hut building

Telstra services run close to Gosford substation

relocation of Council’s stormwater drainage pipes may be also required at the substation site.

In the event that detailed design identifies the need for any relocations, these would be undertaken in consultation with the utility providers. An earthing study is being undertaken to assess the Earth Potential Rise effect of the substation on Telstra services. That may require services search by a Telstra accredited locator followed by relocation of Telstra services if required based on the outcomes of the earthing study

5.5 Decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford substation

Once the Gosford South substation is operational, the existing Gosford substation would be decommissioned and demolished. Decommissioning would involve:

removal of all redundant electrical equipment both within and external to the substation building including any redundant cables

removal of high voltage cables and cable trays

demolition of brick building and all structures to slab level

other services (including the light and power conduits) would be capped off and retained

any essential repairs to prevent deterioration and to secure the site.

5.6 Construction information

5.6.1 Indicative construction activities

Construction would involve the following indicative works:

site establishment:

– services protection works

– establishment of the construction compounds

– installation of safety fencing around the proposal sites

– installation of erosion control measures

– establishment of access to the sites

– vegetation removal and/or trimming, as required


enabling works including installation of conduits (in trenches) to rail corridor for connections from the substation to the existing feeders

site excavation and benching

trenching of water and wastewater mains from the site to the connection points - trenches would be about 600 millimetres wide, with the depths varying depending on local ground conditions or other site requirements

piling works and site excavation for in-ground services (make use of existing as applicable):

– use of piling rigs to construct the piles for the ground slab

– excavate building and bund yard areas for construction of in-ground pits and conduits

– excavate for oil/water separator tank and related services

construct cable chamber retaining walls and drainage

substation construction – involves delivery of any precast ground slabs, erecting the steel framed support structure, placing the floor slab, erecting wall panels and installing the steel roof framing and roof sheeting

electrical works and fit out, including connection to the electrical network - connection to the overhead wiring structures would require some trenching activities, the size and location of trenches would be confirmed during detailed design

decommissioning of existing Gosford substation (once the Gosford South substation is operational) and associated redundant conductors, cables and electrical equipment

demolition of the existing Gosford substation brick building

paving works and driveway construction followed by installation of security fencing and gates

restoration of disturbed areas and landscaping as required and site clean-up.

Excavation would generate a combined volume for both sites of about 450 cubic metres of spoil, all of which would need to be removed from the site.

5.6.2 Construction workforce

Construction of the proposal would involve a maximum workforce of about 30-50 people.

5.6.3 Equipment

Plant and equipment used to construct the proposal may include (but not be limited to):

water cart concrete saws backhoes

hand tools jack hammers low loader

mobile crane on-site crane tip trucks

piling rig concrete pumps air compressor

generators road sweepers large delivery trucks

light commercial and passenger vehicles

concrete agitator trucks


5.6.4 Construction compounds, access and vehicle movements

Construction compound

There would be a construction compound for each site. The proposed location for Gosford South is shown in Appendix A and would be located within the depot site. A construction compound for the sectioning hut would be within the rail corridor and for the substation demolition within the old substation site. Once a contractor has been selected, the location of the construction compound would be reviewed. Should the preferred location differ from the location considered by this REF, consultation would be undertaken with Transport for NSW to confirm the suitability of the location and whether any additional environmental assessment is required.

The construction site including the compound would be securely fenced with temporary fencing. Signage would be erected advising the general public of access restrictions. Upon completion of construction, the temporary site compound, work areas and any stockpiles would be removed, the site would be cleared of all rubbish and materials and rehabilitated.

Construction access and parking

Construction vehicles would access the Gosford South substation site via the existing gates off Riou Street. A crane would need to be temporarily established on Riou Street on the road or the road reserve, within a temporary work zone, to lift over-sized substation equipment (such as transformers and rectifiers) to the proposal site.

The majority of construction vehicles would park within the Sydney Trains Civil Depot and car park for the substation. Some vehicles may park along the surrounding road network during peak construction periods.

At the sectioning hut site there is no area to accommodate construction vehicles within the rail corridor, and therefore road side parking would be utilised along Showground Road and the surrounding road network if necessary. A lifting platform would be temporarily established on Showground Road within a temporary work zone, to lift the sectioning hut into position.

The distance and location of temporary work zones would be arranged in consultation with Gosford City Council by the construction contractor.

Vehicle movements

Anticipated daily construction vehicle movements are shown in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1 Daily construction traffic movements

Site Anticipated maximum daily light vehicles

Gosford South substation 20-40

Sectioning hut 10-20

Existing Gosford substation 20-30 (for short time during demolition)

The delivery of some equipment, such as transformers, would be considered oversized deliveries. These deliveries would be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of relevant authorities.

Transport and lifting into place of the sectioning hut would require closure of Showground Road during lifting and one lane under traffic control during skating, along with the presence of a 132 kV safety spotter. It is anticipated that this would be undertaken at night.


A crane would need to be temporarily established on Riou Street or the road reserve, within a temporary work zone. This may require temporary closure of one lane on Riou Street. This activity may be undertaken at night.

5.6.5 Construction timing, staging and work hours

Construction timing

Construction would commence in late 2015. The proposal would take approximately 18 months to construct. The main civil construction activities would be completed in approximately 15 months, while the fit out of the substation would take approximately three months. The decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford substation works would take approximately three months and would not commence until after commissioning of the new substation and sectioning hut.

Work hours

Construction would occur during the standard hours set out in the Interim Construction Noise Guideline (DECC, 2009):

Mondays to Fridays between 7 am and 6 pm

Saturdays between 8 am and 1 pm

no work would occur on Sundays or public holidays.

The project would also utilise a number of weekend track possessions between 2015 and 2017. Work during these possessions would generally occur between 7 am and 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first hour of each day being utilised for tool box talks and other non-noise creating activities.

Out of hours works (including work on Sundays) would be limited mainly to scheduled track possession periods, however some out of hours works would be required outside of these periods. Works that may need to be undertaken during track possessions and out of hours include connection to the overhead wiring system, installation of certain electrical equipment, installation of underline crossings and delivery and/or removal of oversized equipment.

If out of hours work is required, beyond those assessed in this REF (section 7.6.4) the contractor would obtain approval from Transport for NSW, prior to works being undertaken. All out of hour works and activities outside the recommended standard hours are to be undertaken with additional mitigation measures in accordance with the Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW, 2012).

Track possession periods

The proposal involves some works during track possession periods, including connection works and the decommissioning of the existing Gosford Substation. A number of predetermined possession periods would be available. In the event that additional special possessions are required, these would be arranged in consultation with Sydney Trains. Controlled power outages, which may need to occur out of hours, would also be required during construction.

5.7 Operation of the proposal

The main function of the substation would be to convert the incoming 66 kV power supply to a form which can be used by train services on the Sydney Trains network. The substation would operate 24 hours a day to ensure that power supply is provided to the network at all times.

No permanent staff members would be located within the substation or sectioning hut building.


Maintenance activities would involve approximately three to five visits each month. These visits would generally consist of one utility vehicle accessing the site. In emergency situations additional vehicles may need to access the site.

Oversized vehicles may occasionally need to access the site to maintain and/or replace the transformers. Should this be required, these vehicles would enter the sites from Central Coast Highway and/or Showground Road.

5.8 Sustainability

A sustainability assessment of the proposal was undertaken as part of the design process in accordance with the NSW Sustainable Design Guidelines Version 3.0 (Transport for NSW, 2013). Under the guidelines, the proposal is considered to be a ‘maintenance facility’.

A number of themes were considered in the assessment including:

energy and greenhouse

climate resilience

materials and waste

biodiversity and heritage

water

pollution control

community benefit.

The assessment identified discretionary and compulsory initiatives that could be incorporated into the project.

Compulsory initiatives may relate to a corporate target or are considered to be fundamental to the delivery of sustainable assets. If an initiative is considered applicable, then it must be completed. A discretionary initiative may not be practical for a particular project or be the most appropriate initiative to meet a sustainability outcome.

The assessment for the pre-concept design stage identified 15 compulsory initiatives and 59 discretionary initiatives that relate to either design or construction or both. Compulsory initiatives relevant for this project are listed in Table 5-2.

The design would continue to be refined, and an assessment of the project against the guidelines would also be undertaken during the detailed design phase.

Table 5-2 Sustainable design guidelines compulsory initiatives

Environmental theme

Initiative description

Energy and greenhouse

Undertake AS14064-2 (greenhouse gases – project level) compliant carbon footprinting exercise for all projects with a capital investment value over $10 million in accordance with Transport for NSW's Greenhouse Gas Inventory Guide for Construction Projects. The carbon footprint is to be used to inform decision-making in design and construction. Use standard carbon coefficient values for construction material and fuel usage. Monitor and report the carbon footprint every six months during construction.

Purchase plug-in equipment with at least five star Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) rating (fridges, air conditioners, etc) or an Energy Star accreditation (IT equipment).

Insulate covered and indoor areas. Techniques include adequate thermal mass, and insulating walls and ceilings. Also ensure that all opening are sealed.


Environmental theme

Initiative description

Purchase at least 25% of site-based electricity energy needs from Green Power or renewable sources during construction of the asset.

Climate resilience

Perform a climate change impact assessment for each project worth over $10M using current scientific predictions (i.e. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) etc) to determine the hazards/risks associated with future climatic conditions. Refer to 'Climate Change Impacts and Risk Management: A Guide for Business and Government' and the 'AGIC Guidelines for Climate Change Adaptation' for guidance.

All projects with a capital investment value over $10 million to design out extreme, high and medium risks as identified in the climate change impact assessment where practicable.

Materials and waste

Use whole of life costing methodologies (e.g. Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Method) in line with ISO 15686-5 to inform decision-making on significant issues pertaining to project scope options (e.g. route selection) and material/technology selection (e.g. steel versus concrete bridge). Significant issues can be determined using qualitative criteria such as likely scale of environmental impact.

Ensure at least 95 per cent of construction and demolition waste (by weight) is diverted from landfill, and either recycled or reused, for all projects with a capital investment value over $10 million.

Reduce the absolute quantity of Portland cement by at least 30 per cent, as an average across all concrete mixes, by substituting it with supplementary cementitious materials (such as a fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag or alkali activated cements) subject to meeting strength and durability requirements.

Biodiversity and heritage

For non-significant impacts (inside or outside the rail corridor) offsetting is to be in accordance with the TPD Vegetation Offset Guide as applicable.

Water

Ensure onsite amenities using potable water comply with the following criteria: Toilets to be WELS (max 4.5/3 L/min) dual flush toilets; Urinals to be waterless; All taps to be WELS (max 7.5 L/min); (see Green Star Office v3). Any other water fixtures should achieve at least a 5 Star WELS rating.

Specify sensors, timers or spring loaded devices for taps where possible to reduce water loss from taps that are left running.

Projects that have capital value greater than $10 million are to monitor and record water consumption at the site office, all outlets available to the construction site and other water uses such as from non--potable sources.


6. Stakeholder and community consultation This section summarises the community and stakeholder consultation undertaken as an input to development of the proposal and the REF.

6.1 Consultation for the proposal

6.1.1 Communications plan

A consultation strategy for the proposal was developed by GHD in consultation with Transport for NSW.

The purpose of the Community Engagement Plan is to describe the management and communication processes that will be employed to provide information and seek community input to the design and assessment of the proposal.

6.1.2 Consultation objectives

The plan states that the overall objective of consultation is to ensure that key stakeholders and the broader community are aware of the project and are given the opportunity to express their views. The plan identifies the following objectives for consultation:

identify the impact of the proposed works on internal and external stakeholders, customers, residents and the community

provide a proactive approach to managing communication/ information flow

enhance Transport for NSW working relationship with its customers, residents and the community when undertaking essential capital or maintenance works.

6.1.3 Consultation and communication activities

As outlined in section 3.2.1 formal statutory consultation under the Infrastructure SEPP is not required.

The communications plan provides for the following consultation activities:

letters to stakeholders

meetings and briefings with key stakeholders

distribution of a community newsletter

targeted consultation of the REF for two weeks.

The following key stakeholders have been contacted to date:

Roads and Maritime Services

Gosford City Council representatives

residents and businesses located within the vicinity of the proposal sites

Sydney Trains

Transport for NSW staff

utility providers who service the respective sites.


6.2 Targeted consultation

Targeted consultation of the REF will be carried out for a period of two weeks, during which time written submissions will be accepted. The REF will be placed at a location nominated by Gosford City Council:

The REF would also be available via the Transport for NSW website at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects.

Surrounding landowners and occupants would be contacted prior to the consultation period. This would involve provision of a notification of the consultation period and how to access the REF.

Throughout the consultation period the following contact mechanisms would be available to the community:

Transport for NSW’s 1800 number (1800 684 490)

Transport for NSW’s project email address ([email protected])

Transport for NSW’s project webpage (www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects).

6.3 Future consultation activities

Following the targeted consultation of the REF, Transport for NSW will consider the issues raised in the submissions and prepare a report to:

summarise and respond to the issues raised

provide any new information concerning the proposal

identify any changes to the proposal and the potential impacts of those changes.

Anyone who makes a submission (and provides their contact details) would be notified when the proposal's determination report is available for viewing on the Transport for NSW website.

Should Transport for NSW proceed with the proposal, consultation with the community and key stakeholders would be ongoing in the lead up to, and during, construction of the proposal.

Transport for NSW’s information line and email address would continue to be available. Targeted consultation methods, such as letters, notifications, signage and verbal communications, would occur as required. Transport for NSW’s 1800 775 465 number would also be available for any complaints or enquiries during construction.


http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects

7. Environmental impact assessment This section summarises the environmental impact assessment undertaken for the proposal and includes summaries of the specialist studies undertaken.

7.1 Soils, water quality and flooding

7.1.1 Existing environment

The following studies have been undertaken to investigate site conditions.

Douglas Partners (2015a) Report on Preliminary Site Investigation, Power Supply Upgrade Program, Proposed Gosford Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut, Riou Street and Showground Road, Gosford

Douglas Partners (2015b) Report on Geotechnical Investigation, Power Supply Upgrade Program, Proposed Gosford Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut, Riou Street and Showground Road, Gosford

Douglas Partners (2015c) Pre-demolition hazardous building materials report.

Report findings are summarised below and shown on Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2.


Geology, topography and soils

The interim 1:25000 scale Geological Series Sheet for Gosford indicates that the site is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium which comprises deposits of sand, silt, clay and gravel. The geological mapping also indicates that the sectioning hut site is located on a geological boundary between Quaternary Alluvium and the Terrigal Formation. The Terrigal Formation comprises sandstone, siltstone, claystone conglomerate which weather to form medium to high plasticity clays. The 1:100 000 scale Gosford-Lake Macquarie Soil Landscapes Sheet indicates that the Gosford South substation site is located within an area mapped as ‘disturbed terrain’, which suggests that the area has been reclaimed for urban development.

The site is relatively level with surface levels between two to three metres AHD. The existing surface comprises pavements of bitumen and concrete with a sandy gravel sub-base. Underlying the surface covering, fill material of brown, grey and red-brown silty clay with some gravel and cobles with some ash material was present. Natural alluvial soils were present between 3.5 to 6.5 metres, described as dark grey sandy or clayey silt, silt or silty sand. Residual very stiff light grey sandy clays and clayey sands were encountered in two bores. Sandstone was encountered between 4.45 and 6.6 metres across the site.

The site sits within an area identified as having high risk of potential acid sulfate soils (see Figure 7-1). Acid sulfate soil screening and testing indicates that all soils (filling and natural soils) at the proposed site are considered to be acid sulfate soils.

Contamination

The preliminary site investigation included some soil sampling for contaminated soils. The results did not identify any contamination on site. However the site was observed to have other buildings on site suggesting previous demolitions and significant fill material has been noted at the site. Fill material may contain the following contaminants:

metals

total recoverable hydrocarbons (TRH)

GHD | Report for Transport for New South Wales - Gosford South Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut REF, 21/24199 | 37

benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX)

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)

organochlorine pesticides (OCP)

asbestos.

The existing buildings were observed to contain small volumes of fuels and oils. Minor staining on the concrete pavement was observed within the workshop buildings. Contamination from workshop materials could include: metals, TRH, BTEX, and PAH.

The Pre-demolition hazardous building materials report (Douglas Partners 2015c) identified the following materials within the buildings to be removed at the proposed Gosford South substation site:

asbestos-containing materials

synthetic mineral fibre

lead-based paint

polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)

chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) refrigerants.

Drainage and groundwater

Fagans Bay (Brisbane Waters) is adjacent to the south-west boundary of the site. A stormwater drain runs under the site and exits just beyond the southern boundary directly into Fagans Bay. Several drains were observed on site and are believed to connect to the stormwater drain.

Groundwater was encountered between 2.5 and 3.5 metres below the ground surface.

Flooding is unlikely to occur at the site at the 1 in 100 year flood rate, although areas around the site may be susceptible to flooding. Areas susceptible to flooding are shown on Figure 7-2.

Wyoming sectioning hut site


The interim 1:25000 scale Geological Series Sheet for Gosford indicates that the site is located on a geological boundary between Quaternary Alluvium and the Terrigal Formation. The Terrigal Formation comprises sandstone, siltstone, claystone conglomerate which weather to form medium to high plasticity clays. The 1:100 000 scale Gosford-Lake Macquarie Soil Landscapes Sheet indicates that the site is mapped as comprising ‘erosional soils’ of the Erina Landscape.

The site is located on a fill embankment which, at the time of the investigation, was covered in gravel. The embankment batter was covered with erosion protection matting and had small shrubs/weeds growing out of it.

Dark grey sandy gravel fill material to 0.3 metres deep was encountered across the site. This was underlain by grey ballast rock, clayey sand with sandstone cobbles and trace building waste (timber, steel bolts, concrete). Beneath the fill material alluvial brown silty sandy clays and clays to 4.5 metres was underlain by light grey clayey sand and sand to six metres. The alluvial soils were underlain by very stiff to hard light grey sandy clays and thinly bedded iron stained sandstone bands to 7.5 metres. Bedrock of light grey sandstone was encountered from 7.5 metres to the depth of investigation.

Acid sulfate soils are not expected to be encountered at this site.


Contamination

The preliminary site investigation included some soil sampling for contaminated soils. The results did not identify any contamination on site. However significant fill material has been noted at the site. Fill material may contain the following contaminants:

metals

total recoverable hydrocarbons (TRH)

benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX)

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)

organochlorine pesticides (OCP).


The Preliminary Site Investigation (Douglas Partners 2015a) identified the surface levels on Showground Road, within the vicinity of the sectioning hut site, as about four to five metres AHD. The embankment batter has a slope of approximately 45 degrees. The slope of the site appears to direct surface runoff (via overland flow) to Showground Road which would then enter Council’s stormwater system and discharge to Narara Creek (approximately 250 metres north-west of site). Site observations identified surface levels on top of the embankment were about two to three metres higher than the adjacent levels on Showground Road.

Flooding is unlikely to occur at the site at the 1 in 100 year flood rate, although areas around the site may be susceptible to flooding. Areas susceptible to flooding are shown on Figure 7-2.

Groundwater was encountered at 4.5 metres below groundwater in one of the groundwater bores.

Existing Gosford substation site


The existing Gosford substation site is anticipated to have a similar geology to that discussed for the Wyoming sectioning hut above.

Contamination

The existing Gosford substation is large brick structure on concrete slab with pitched metal frame to asbestos ceiling linings to a profiled metal roof with asbestos cement eaves and wooden fascia’s. Guttering and downpipes are metal. The substation yard is a large open area containing transformers.

The Pre-demolition hazardous building materials report (Douglas Partners 2015c) identified the following materials within the buildings to be removed at the proposed Gosford South substation site and the existing substation site:



lead-based paint

PCBs

CFC and HCFC refrigerants.


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SEPP 71 and SEPP 14 mapping and indicative catchment flooding

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State Environmental Planning Policy No71 -- Coastal Protection

State Environmental Planning Policy No14 --Coastal Wetlands

Catchment Flooding (Indicative)

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The Preliminary Site Investigation (Douglas Partners, 2015a) identified the surface levels on Showground Road, within the vicinity of the sectioning hut site, as about four to five metres AHD.

The site is below the 1 in 100 year flood level, although areas around the site may be susceptible to flooding as shown on Figure 7-2

7.1.2 Potential impacts

Construction

Construction of the proposal would involve demolition works, disturbance to the ground surface to construct the slabs, retaining wall and underground services. Small stockpiles of excavated soil would be created during construction.

In accordance with the NSW Sustainable Design Guidelines (Transport for NSW, 2013), opportunities would be investigated for the reuse of 90 per cent of excavated, non-contaminated, spoil. The spoil would be reused on-site where possible to either backfill excavations or during site levelling works. Excess spoil (up to about 450 cubic metres) not suitable for backfilling would be stockpiled in a suitable location prior to being tested, classified, and disposed of at an appropriately licensed facility.

Soil disturbance

Excavation and stockpiling activities, if not adequately managed, could have the following impacts:

erosion of exposed soil and stockpiled materials

dust generation from excavation and vehicle movements over exposed soil

an increase in sediment loads entering the stormwater system and/or local runoff.

These impacts are considered to be minimal, as exposure of soil and the stockpiling of spoil would be temporary and short-term in duration.

Contamination issues

The approach to managing any contaminated finds would be specified in the construction environmental management plan (CEMP). This includes any contaminated/hazardous material identified at either site during the decommissioning works. This material would be removed from site and treated or disposed of at a licensed facility, and the site would be remediated where required.

The proposal would have the potential to result in soil and water contamination via any accidental fuel or chemical spills from plant and equipment. The installation and commissioning of electrical equipment (for example, the transformers) would involve injecting oils and other chemicals on-site. The potential for impacts as a result of any spills or leaks would be managed by the implementation of measures provided in section 7.1.3.

Acid sulfate soils may be disturbed at the Gosford South substation site by activities such as shallow drainage or excavations. Construction which may expose acid sulfate soils would need to be undertaken in accordance with an acid sulfate soil management plan, prepared as part of the CEMP in accordance with the Acid Sulfate Soils Management Advisory Committee (ASSMAC) publication Acid Sulfate Soils Manual (the ASS Manual) (ASSMAC, 1998).

Acid sulfate soil screening and testing indicates that soils (filling and natural soil) at the proposed Wyoming Sectioning Hut site are considered not to be acid sulfate soils and excavation works are not planned at the existing Gosford substation site.


Surface and groundwater

The existing storm drain situated under the Gosford South substation site may require long term diversion within the site to accommodate the new building infrastructure. The existing location for the outflow would be retained so works would not be required on the southern boundary of the site within the area of vegetation and mitigation measure would minimise the potential of impacts from the construction works.

The proposed footings for the Gosford South substation would potentially intersect groundwater. Contamination of groundwater may also occur through the seepage from material and waste stockpiles, or spills of fuels, oils or other chemicals.

Impacts to groundwater during construction would be temporary and are unlikely to be significant as a result of the small scale of the works. Should groundwater be encountered mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise groundwater inflow into excavations. Excavations would be backfilled progressively to limit groundwater inflow.

Provided the mitigation measures in section 7.1.3 are implemented, impacts to groundwater are not considered to be significant.

Operation

The proposal does not increase the area of hardstand at the Gosford South substation site or the existing Gosford substation site and therefore will not impact the volume of surface water runoff entering the stormwater drainage system. The area small area of additional hardstand required for the Wyoming sectioning hut would have a minimal impact on surface water runoff.

The proposal would not result in any impacts to soils or water quality. As noted in section 5.2.6 bunding designed in accordance with the applicable standards would be incorporated into the proposal to contain any chemical spills or leaks. The bunded area would contain an oil/water separator to allow the oil to be removed. Water would be discharged to the stormwater network and oil from the pit would be pumped out for offsite disposal at a suitably licensed facility.

7.1.3 Mitigation measures

Construction

The measures provided below would be implemented during construction:

A soils and water quality sub-plan would be prepared as part of the CEMP. It would include the following measures:

– Sediment and erosion control devices would be installed to minimise transport of sediment in accordance with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction (Landcom, 2004). These devices would be inspected regularly and immediately after rainfall to ensure effectiveness over the duration of works. Any damage to erosion and sediment controls would be rectified immediately.

– Maintenance and checking of the erosion and sedimentation controls would be undertaken on a regular basis and any subsequent records retained. Sediment would be cleared from behind barriers/sand bags on a regular basis as required and all controls would be managed to ensure they work effectively at all times.

– Any soils excavated that are to be used as backfill would be appropriately stored until required.

– Disturbed areas would be restored at the completion of works.

– Spill kits would be maintained on-site at all times and staff training on spill prevention/management provided.


– Machinery would be checked daily to ensure that no oil, fuel or other liquids are leaking.

– Refuelling of plant and equipment would be undertaken within an appropriately bunded area within the proposal site.

– All water discharges would be undertaken in accordance with Transport for NSW’s Water Discharge and Re-use Guideline (2012).

– The existing drainage systems would remain operational during construction.

– Clean water would be diverted around the worksite in accordance with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction.

An ‘unexpected finds protocol’ would be prepared and included in the CEMP to assist with the identification, assessment, management, health and safety implications, remediation and/or disposal (at an appropriately licenced facility) of any potentially contaminated soil and/or water.

Excavation works at Gosford South substation site which may expose acid sulfate soils would need to be undertaken in accordance with an acid sulfate soil management plan prepared in accordance with the ASS Manual (ASSMAC 1998).

Water quality control measures are to be used to prevent any materials (eg. concrete, grout, sediment etc) entering drain inlets or waterways.

Measures to control pollutants from stormwater and spills entering groundwater would be investigated and incorporated in the drainage system at locations where it discharges to the receiving drainage lines.

Operation

No mitigation measures are required.

7.2 Flora and fauna

7.2.1 Assessment approach and methodology

A desktop assessment of the study area, involving searches of relevant databases, was undertaken in December 2014. This was to determine the likelihood that any threatened flora and fauna species, populations and ecological communities would be present within the study area. The study area comprises Gosford and Wyoming sectioning hut sites and the immediate surrounds of these sites. A database search of the wider locality was undertaken for a radius of 10 kilometres. The results of the desktop assessment are provided in Appendix B.

The following documentation and databases were reviewed prior to the field investigations:

Department of the Environment (DotE) Protected Matters Search Tool (DotE, 2014a) for relevant matters of national environmental significance listed under the EPBC Act (December 2014 – within a drawn polygon centred on the study area, buffered at 10 kilometres)

Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Atlas of NSW Wildlife database (OEH, 2014a) for threatened species listed under the TSC Act (December 2014 – within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area)

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) online protected species viewer (DPI 2011) for records of threatened aquatic species in the locality (December 2014 – within the catchment area)

Gosford City Council online vegetation mapping (GCC 2009)


aerial photography of the study area.

Field survey

The results of the desktop assessment were confirmed by a site inspection (from outside the rail corridor) undertaken by a GHD ecologist on 11 December 2014. The field survey:

confirmed the type of native vegetation present in the study area

identified the dominant flora species

assessed habitat value for native fauna species.

Assessment of likelihood of occurrence of threatened biota

Following collation of database records and species and community profiles, a ‘likelihood of occurrence’ assessment was prepared with reference to the broad habitats contained within the study area. This was refined following the field survey and assessment of habitats present. The results of this assessment are presented in Appendix B. The likelihood of threatened and migratory biota occurring in the proposal site was assessed based on presence of records from the locality since 1980, species distribution and habitat preferences, and the suitability of potential habitat present in the study area.


Desktop assessment results

The desktop assessment revealed previous records for 24 threatened ecological communities, 35 threatened flora species and 81 threatened fauna species listed under either the TSC Act or the EPBC Act (see Appendix B), have previously been recorded or predicted to occur within the 10 kilometre locality (OEH, 2014a). The EPBC Online Protected Matters Search (DotE, 2014a) lists 32 migratory species with the potential to occur in the locality. Marine mammals (such as whales) and pelagic birds (such as albatrosses) have not been considered further given marine habitats are not present in the study area and would not be impacted by the proposal.

Fagans Bay is mapped as Key Fish Habitat and part of the bay adjacent to garnet Adcock Memorial Park is mapped as SEPP 14 wetlands. This wetland is located about 200 metres south west of the Gosford South substation site at its closest point (see Figure 7-2).

A review of Council vegetation mapping (GCC, 2009) indicated that vegetation adjacent to the Gosford South substation site is Swamp Mahogany- Paperbark Forest. Swamp Mahogany- Paperbark Forest is a component of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains endangered ecological community (EEC) listed under the TSC Act. In the local area, this EEC is found scattered along the coastline between patches of mangrove scrub which is considered regionally significant vegetation. Mangrove Estuarine Complex is found in the Fagans Bay area. Mangroves are protected under the FM Act. Both Swamp Mahogany- Paperbark Forest and Mangrove Estuarine Complex are identified as significant vegetation in the Council vegetation mapping.

Vegetation mapping has not indicated any native vegetation communities within the study area of the proposed Wyoming sectioning hut site (GCC 2009).

The results of the likelihood of occurrence assessment (presented in Appendix B) indicate that no threatened or migratory biota are likely to occur within the subject site given the presence of hardstand at the proposed Gosford South substation site and lack of native vegetation at the proposed Wyoming sectioning hut site. Some threatened fauna species may occur on occasion in the vegetation adjacent to the proposed Gosford South substation site. These species are discussed further below.


Field survey results


The proposal site for the Gosford South substation site comprises hardstand, see Figure 7-3 Exotic vegetation is located in the study area immediately to the south of the hardstand area, and Grey Mangroves (Avicennia marina subsp. australasica) and Casuarinas (Casuarina sp.) are located adjacent to the proposal site, along the shoreline. Mangrove Estuarine Complex is considered regionally significant vegetation (GCC 2009). Mangroves are listed under the FM Act as marine vegetation. No area of Swamp Mahogany- Paperbark Forest was identified in the study area.

A stormwater drain runs under the proposal site and exits just beyond the southern boundary directly into Fagans Bay. Vegetation present in the drain includes Typha and exotic weeds.

No threatened flora species are likely to occur in within or adjacent to the substation site. Threatened fauna species listed under the TSC Act such as the Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) and migratory wader species listed under the EPBC Act such as the Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) may forage on occasion within the Mangrove Estuarine Complex. A range of threatened and migratory marine species listed under the TSC Act, FM Act and the EPBC Act are known or are likely to occur in Brisbane Waters. These include a range of marine mammal, reptile and fish species. Mangrove Estuarine Complex in the study area is not suitable habitat for these species.

Wyoming sectioning hut site and existing Gosford substation

The study area for the Wyoming sectioning hut site and the existing Gosford substation comprises a highly modified area within the rail corridor and a developed urban environment see Figure 7-4. This section of the study area is not mapped as native vegetation in Council’s vegetation mapping (GCC 2009). Native shrubs and small trees present include Acacia prominens, Acacia parramattensis, and Acacia longifolia. Non-endemic and introduced shrubs and small trees include Acacia saligna, Lantana camara and Cinnamomum camphora. Groundcover is dominated by exotic species, including Verbena bonariensis, Paspalum urvillei, Cirsium vulgare, Trifolium arvense, Plantago lanceolata, Hypochaeris radicata, Ricinus communis, Briza maxima, Lolium perenne, Pennisetum clandestinum and Ehrharta erecta. This vegetation is not consistent with a native vegetation community and is unlikely to regenerate into a native vegetation type due to modification of the soil profile. Given the lack of native vegetation and intact natural soil profile to contain seedbank, the study area does not support habitat for any listed threatened flora species or populations (see Appendix B).

The study area for the Wyoming Sectioning Hut and existing Gosford substation does not contain habitat of importance for any native fauna species. The vegetation present may provide occasional resting and foraging habitat for common native birds such as the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), and the railway ballast may provide basking habitat for common reptile species such as grass skinks (Lampropholis spp.). No threatened species or migratory birds are likely to occur within the study area given the lack of native vegetation or other habitat features and connectivity with other areas of known habitat (see Appendix B).



Construction of the Gosford South substation would not directly impact any native vegetation types, as the proposed substation is located entirely on existing hardstand areas. Exotic and planted vegetation immediately adjacent to the proposed substation and transmission line connections may need to be trimmed.


Mangroves are present along the edges of the bay immediately to the south of the Gosford South substation site. These provide a very small area of potential foraging habitat for threatened and migratory wader species. SEPP 14 wetlands are located about 200 metres to the south-west of the substation site. No works will directly affect this area. Indirect affects to water quality are discussed within section 7.1.

The proposal has the potential to indirectly impact areas of mangroves in the study area and in the nearby SEPP 14 wetland if sedimentation, dust and liquids are not managed appropriately. Construction may result in transfer of sediments to adjacent marine vegetation and aquatic habitats, either through runoff or dust. Sedimentation runoff to waterways from exposed soils during earthworks can adversely affect aquatic life by altering water quality and filling aquatic habitat with fine sediment. This reduces the habitat value of these areas for aquatic flora and fauna. Accidental spills of oils or other chemicals during the construction process could result in a decline in flora and fauna habitat if not managed appropriately. Impacts are unlikely as the wetland is 200 metres from the site and mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise the potential for the indirect impacts (see section 7.2.4).

Wyoming sectioning hut site and existing Gosford substation site

There would be no direct or indirect impacts on any intact or naturally occurring native vegetation at either the Wyoming sectioning hut site or the existing Gosford substation site (see Figure 7-4). The exotic vegetation to be impacted does not provide suitable habitat for any threatened flora or fauna species. No threatened ecological communities occur or have the potential to be impacted by the proposed works at this location.

Potential impacts on threatened and migratory biota

Neither the proposal site at Gosford or Wyoming contains any threatened biota or habitat for threatened biota listed under the TSC Act. The proposal sites do not contain any threatened ecological communities or habitat for threatened or migratory species listed under the EPBC Act. There would be no direct impacts on any threatened or migratory biota listed under the TSC Act, FM Act or EPBC Act.

Construction could result in transfer of sediments, dust and liquids into adjacent habitat if not managed appropriately. The risk of indirect impacts is negligible as mitigation measures would be implemented to manage sedimentation and liquid spills (see section 7.2.4). In addition, the mangroves located adjacent to the Gosford South substation site are already impacted by existing urban disturbance, such as noise, light, edge effects and stormwater runoff, and these would not be exacerbated by the proposal.

There is no important habitat for migratory wetland species within the proposal sites or the study area. The relatively small area of potential habitat in the study area would not support an ecologically significant proportion of the population of these species, is not of critical importance to these species at particular life-cycle stages; is not at the limit of these species ranges, and is not within an area where these species are declining.

Based on the above considerations the proposal is unlikely to impose ‘a significant effect’ on any of the listed threatened or migratory fauna species predicted to occur within the locality. The proposal is unlikely to negatively impact the nearby SEPP 14 wetlands, due to the distance of the proposal from the wetlands, and the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Summary of significance of impacts

Based on the findings of the impact assessment detailed above, the proposal would not have a significant impact on threatened biota listed under the TSC Act, marine vegetation or threatened biota listed under the FM Act, or threatened or migratory biota listed under the EPBC Act. The


proposal would not require the preparation of a Species Impact Statement and there is no requirement for referral to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment based on ecological grounds.


The proposal sites are located in a generally highly modified environment, and thus the proposal generally avoids impacts on biodiversity values. In addition to sediment control and pollution management measures to protect surface and groundwater, identified in section 7.1.3, the following mitigation measures should be incorporated into the Construction Environment Management Plan for the proposal:

Weed control mitigation and management strategies shall be documented and implemented in accordance with the CEMP and Noxious Weeds Act 1993. This shall include procedures to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery.

Access to the site and the extent of vegetation clearing would be restricted to the proposal site as identified in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2. Separate approvals are required for removal or trimming of vegetation outside these areas.

Vegetation planted on-site would consist of locally endemic native species, unless otherwise agreed with Transport for NSW, following consultation with Gosford City Council, and Sydney Trains where relevant.


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7.3 Visual amenity


The visual landscape of the three sites are dominated by rail infrastructure (including rail lines, overhead power lines, facility buildings) and the adjoining road network including the Central Coast Highway. Views to the proposal site are available from:

Wyoming sectioning hut site and existing Gosford substation:

– Showground Road, Glennie Street West and Kirrawee Road (motorist or pedestrians travelling along the road)

– residences on Campbell Street

– commercial properties on Showground Road, Glennie Street West and Kirrawee Road

– Gosford showground, including visitors and staff

– trains (in particular passenger services) along the rail line.

Gosford South substation site:

– Riou Street/Pacific Highway and Central Coast Highway (motorists or pedestrians travelling along the road and the footpath)

– Point to Pelicans cycleway

– residences on Riou Street/Pacific Highway

– commercial properties on Showground Road, Glennie Street West and Kirrawee Road

– Carawah Reserve (visible to visitors and staff)

– Grahame Park (visible to visitors)

– views from train services (in particular passenger services) along the rail line.

Residential receivers with direct views of the proposal site are considered to be the most sensitive receivers. Views from these receivers to the site are currently dominated by railway and road infrastructure with partially obscured views of the sites.


Construction

Construction of the new Gosford South substation would only be fully visible fleetingly to road, rail and cycleway users and pedestrians passing the site entrance. Partial views of the site, under the Brian McGowan Bridge, would be observable from sensitive residential receivers on Riou Street/Pacific Highway. Views of the pole and cable works would be visible to all receivers.

During construction of the Wyoming sectioning hut and decommissioning/demolition of the existing Gosford substation, the work site would result in some partial short-term impacts on the visual amenity for nearby sensitive residential receivers observed through the existing rail infrastructure. The works would only be fully visible fleetingly to motorists, rail passengers and pedestrians passing the proposal site. Neighbouring commercial properties and those located on Showground Road opposite the sectioning hut proposal site, would have full, direct views of the site.

Overall, the potential visual impacts of construction activities are considered to be minimal as the works would be temporary, short-term and only partial or fleeting for receivers.


Operation

Potential visual impacts relate to the presence of a new structure in the landscape. An indicative description of the potential appearance of the proposal is provided in section 5.

The Gosford South substation may be visible from the location of the proposed Gosford performing arts centre, part of the new Gosford waterfront site and from Grahame Park/Gosford City Park, south east of the proposal site. The new substation at Gosford would have a similar height and footprint to the existing buildings already on site. The appearance of the substation would be consistent with the surrounding rail uses, which include other rail infrastructure (including overhead power lines. As noted above, views to the site are partially obscured, so not all of the proposal would be visible from surrounding areas. Similar to the existing buildings on site, the substation would be shielded from view by Brian McGowan Bridge and vegetation along the southern boundary of the site. A photomontage of the proposal and a photo from the same view of the existing site are provided below in Plate 9 and 10. The proposed colour scheme of the substation façade would integrate the new buildings with the local environment and would be an improvement to the current building.

Plate 9 view of existing Gosford South substation site from Grahame Park looking west, showing current buildings


Plate 10 view of proposed Gosford South substation site from Grahame Park looking west, showing proposed substation (indicative only, subject to final design)

The Wyoming sectioning hut would be located within the rail corridor within an area already containing similar structures. Only partial views of the structure from any sensitive receiver would be available due to existing rail infrastructure and vegetation obstructing the view. The residential property 24 Campbell Street would have a partial view of the building from its upper floors. The sectioning hut is therefore not considered to have a major visual impact on the environment.

The existing Gosford substation equipment and building does not have any historic listings or notable streetscape amenity, and therefore removal of this structure is not considered detrimental to the visual amenity of local area.

The concept design for the proposal has been prepared with regard to urban design and visual considerations. Further design phases would continue to consider the potential for visual impacts.


Construction

The following mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise impacts during construction:

Material would be attached to the site fencing to minimise views of the worksite

The worksite would be left in a tidy manner at the end of each work day

Directional lighting would be mounted to avoid light spill into adjoining buildings during any night works, particularly during any rail shutdown periods.


Operation

The following mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise impacts during operation:

The detailed design of the proposal would take into account relevant urban design, landscaping and visual considerations.

7.4 Heritage


Aboriginal heritage

A search of the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) was completed on 24 December 2014 to cover a study area of 1000 metres around the three sites.

The AHIMS searches found that there were two records of Aboriginal sites within the 1000 metre study area but there were no Aboriginal places declared within these areas. The search was then refined for a 200 metre study area around the sites. The results indicated that there are no known Aboriginal objects or places located in the 200 metre search area.

Both proposal sites are already heavily modified as a result of previous levelling, filling and development. The Gosford South substation site already contains underground services. The site has been previously levelled for development of the existing depot buildings and the footings of the Central Coast Highway, and the Central Coast and Newcastle train line bounding the eastern side of the site.

The Wyoming sectioning hut site comprises substantial fill from the construction of the existing railway track and associated infrastructure. The existing substation area has been subject to previous levelling and disturbance to develop the existing infrastructure and underground services.

Non-Aboriginal heritage

A search of the following heritage registers was undertaken for Gosford LGA in December 2014:

State Heritage Register

Section 170 registers for state agencies

Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014

Australian heritage database (includes National Heritage List, Commonwealth Heritage List and Register of the National Estate).

No items listed on the State heritage register are located near the site. The State Heritage Inventory identified 13 sites of State significance within Gosford LGA. None of these are located within one kilometre of the proposal sites. The closest are:

Hely’s Grave (No. 00053), Pacific Highway, near Renwick Street, about 1.2 kilometres north of the Wyoming sectioning hut site and existing Gosford substation

The Grange (No. 00222), Renwick Street, about 1.2 kilometres north of the Wyoming sectioning hut site and existing Gosford substation.

There are around 200 locally significant records listed in the Gosford LEP. Items within about 500 metres of the proposal sites are listed in Table 7-1. Figure 7-5 maps the location of the locally listed heritage items within Gosford.


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ProposedWyoming Sectioning Hut

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Table 7-1 Listed non-Aboriginal heritage items within about 500 metres of the sites

Name Heritage listings (and map reference)

Heritage significance

Description of significance Distance from the proposal site

Gosford Railway Underbridge and Piers

Gosford LEP (No. 50)

Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register (Railcorp S170 Register)

Local Railway bridge located between Fagans Bay and Brisbane Water.

It is a landmark railway structure built in the 1950s. It is one of a number of through-girders constructed on the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line and is representative of typical bridge construction. The 1880s piers remain as a relic of the original bridge crossing.

Adjacent to the southern boundary of the Gosford South substation site

Avenue and feature trees – Grahame Park

Gosford LEP (No. 25) Local Park land features within Graham Park located off Mann Street and Vaughan Avenue.

Adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Gosford South substation site

Dwyer Pavilion

Gosford LEP (No. 46) Local Located within Gosford Showground, off Showground Road 100 m south of Wyoming site

Former School of Arts Gosford LEP (No. 36) Local Located on the corner of Mann Street and Georgiana Terrace. The building has regional historic and social significance as the site of the first showing of motion pictures on the Central Coast. Only remnants of the original building remain. Its location marks the establishment of the settlement around the wharf. It has significance as an example of a late 1920's brick civic building, enhancing the streetscape of Mann Street.

500 m east of Gosford South substation site

Former Brisbane Water County Council building

Gosford LEP (No.40 ) Local Located at 50 Mann Street. The building was erected between 1955-1957. It includes a sandstone facade and prominent clock tower.

500 m east of Gosford South substation site

Site of original Gosford Wharf

Gosford LEP (No. A8) Archaeological site

Local Located on the foreshore of The Broad Water, adjacent to Dane Drive, Gosford has historic and social significance as a very early access point to Gosford district, associated with the early development and industry of the Gosford township, and early transport systems to the region. None of the original 1880 structure remains, however the significance as a wharf site and as a landscape feature of the area remains.

500 m south east of Gosford South substation site

Rotary Club, fountain, garden and original site of Gosford Wharf

Gosford LEP (No. A9) Archaeological site

Local Located on Vaughan Avenue adjacent to the site of original Gosford Wharf.

500 m south east of Gosford South substation site



Aboriginal heritage

The natural landscape of the proposal site has been substantially modified as a result of levelling and filling for the construction of transport infrastructure and underground services. The proposal would impact on an area which has previously been highly disturbed and exhibits low archaeological potential. No listed or registered Aboriginal sites are located within 200 metres of the proposal site. Furthermore, due to the highly disturbed nature of the proposal site, it is unlikely that previously unrecorded Aboriginal objects or sites would be uncovered during construction. The proposal is not anticipated to have any impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Non-Aboriginal heritage

The area of works for the proposed Gosford South Substation is adjacent to two locally listed non-Aboriginal heritage items. There is a potential to indirectly impact these features unless mitigation measures are implemented. Potential indirect impacts are listed in Table 7-2.

Table 7-2 Potential impacts on non-Aboriginal heritage items

Item Name Potential impact Assessment

1 Gosford Railway Underbridge and Piers

Potential vibration impact during construction.

Potential vibration impacts (as described in section 7.6.4) would be managed by implementing mitigation measures provided in section 7.6.5.

2 Avenue and feature trees – Graham Park

Potential impacts from soil and water contamination via any accidental fuel or chemical spills from plant and equipment

Potential impacts (as described in section 7.1.2) would be managed by implementing mitigation measures provided in section 7.1.3.

Given the distance and separation of the proposal sites from the other listed non-Aboriginal heritage items, no direct or indirect impacts are anticipated at these sites. As the three proposal sites have been substantially modified by previous development, the risk of encountering any unknown heritage items is considered to be low.


Construction

In addition to the mitigation measures identified in sections section 7.1.3 and 7.6.5, the following mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise impacts during construction:

All heritage items in the immediate vicinity of the proposal site would be marked on site plans, and avoided.

A heritage induction would be provided to all workers before construction commences informing them of the location of heritage items and guidelines to follow if unanticipated heritage items or deposits are located during construction.

If any unanticipated archaeological deposits are identified within the proposal site during construction, work likely to impact on the deposit would cease immediately and the NSW Heritage Division and an archaeologist would be contacted. Where required, further archaeological work and/or consents would be obtained prior to works recommencing at the location.


Should Aboriginal heritage items be uncovered all work in the vicinity would cease and the Project Manager and Transport for NSW staff will be notified immediately. OEH would be notified in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1979. The local Aboriginal Land Council would be notified and an assessment by an archaeologist would be arranged to determine the significance of the objects and any other requirements before work resumes.

Operation


7.5 Traffic and access


A preliminary field inspection and review of aerial photographs were undertaken in December 2014 to identify and observe local traffic conditions.

Traffic network

The Gosford South substation site is bounded to the north by Riou Street which forms a section of the Pacific Highway. Riou Street is a council maintained road. Riou Street provides a slip road onto the Central Coast Highway which is a classified state road, elevated above the proposal site. The Brian McGowan Bridge is part of the Central Coast Highway which crosses above the site and the adjacent rail tracks. This bridge creates a low clearance within the proposal site.

The Wyoming sectioning hut and existing Gosford substation sites are located on Showground Road and Glennie Street West which are both local roads. Showground Road is a divided single lane dual carriageway which intersects with the Pacific Highway at its southern most point and Manns Road to the north. Glennie Street West is an undivided single lane dual carriageway.

Access

Access to the Gosford South substation site is via an existing access gate off Riou Street/Pacific Highway on the northern boundary of the proposal site. The site has a left turn only exit. Riou Street forms the slip road linking Central Coast Highway and Pacific Highway.

There is restricted access to the location proposed for the Wyoming sectioning hut via the rail corridor.

There are currently two access points into the existing Gosford substation site; both are off Glennie Street West. Glennie Street West provides the only access road into the industrial zone and main showground visitor entrance, located to the west of the proposal site.

Parking

The Gosford South substation site currently has sufficient space within the site boundary for parking of staff vehicles and visitors. The site is fenced and gated so parking is not utilised by the general public. There is street parking along both sides of Riou Street/ Pacific Highway starting about 50 metres east of the site entrance (see Plate 9).

There is limited parking within the existing Gosford substation site and none adjacent to the proposed location of the Wyoming sectioning hut. There is unrestricted street parking along the western side of Showground Road and within neighbouring local roads (see Plate 10). Businesses located on Showground Road and Glennie Street West have some parking provision within their property boundaries.


Cyclist and pedestrian movements and access

A cycle and pedestrian path runs along the north side of the proposed substation site, between the site and Riou Street, crossing the point of access into the site (see Plate 11). This cycle route is known as the Point to Pelicans cycleway and follows the direction of the Central Coast Highway. A pedestrian foot path also runs along the opposite side (northern side) of Riou Street, close to an electricity pole which would require upgrading as part of the proposal.

A pedestrian footpath runs along the western side of Showground Road (see Plate 12), through the Wyoming proposal site. No dedicated cycle paths are located around the sectioning hut site.

Plate 11 Gosford South substation site looking east along Riou Street/ Pacific Highway


Plate 12 Wyoming sectioning hut site looking north along Showground Road


Construction

Traffic generation

Construction would generate heavy vehicle movements associated with the transportation of construction machinery, equipment and materials to and from the proposal site.

Light vehicle movements would be associated with employees and smaller deliveries. Anticipated daily volumes of light vehicles are listed Table 5-1 in section 5.6.

Construction vehicle movements would result in a minor temporary increase in traffic along the road network which can easily accommodate the daily increase in vehicles.

Construction access and oversized vehicles

It is assumed that most construction vehicles would access the proposal site via the following routes:

• Gosford South substation site – enter the site via the existing site access from Riou Street/Pacific Highway and exit the site via the Central Coast Highway

• Wyoming sectioning hut site - enter and exit the site via an existing access point off Showground Road to the south of the building

• existing Gosford substation site – enter and exit the site via the existing site access from Glennie Street West.

Construction of the proposal would require delivery of oversized pieces of equipment, such as transformers, rectifiers and poles. Oversized transport may also be required during decommissioning of the existing Gosford substation to remove larger items of equipment. These deliveries/traffic movements would be undertaken in consultation with relevant agencies and would generally be undertaken out of hours to minimise the potential for impacts to the


surrounding road network. No vehicles/deliveries would be large enough to require restricted routes to the works areas.

To enable access for deliveries and a lifting platform, a temporary ‘construction work zone’ would need to be established along the eastern side of Showground Road. A work zone is a designated section of road used for the purpose of loading and unloading equipment at a construction site. The distance occupied by the work zone would be confirmed by the construction contractor and agreed with Gosford City Council.

Parking

Sufficient onsite parking is available for construction personnel at the Gosford South substation site. Works on the Riou Street/Pacific Highway to replace poles and manage under road cable crossings may result in a temporary loss of several on street parking spaces. Connection works at this location would be undertaken within a short timeframe (of up to two days) and is unlikely to result in major impact on parking as sufficient parking is available on surrounding road network.

Construction works for the Wyoming sectioning hut and demolition of the existing Gosford substation are likely to result in temporary loss of road side parking on the western side of Showground Road opposite the work zone in order to maintain two way traffic movements. This temporary loss of parking would not have a major impact as it would be limited to the duration of the construction period and sufficient parking is available on the surrounding road network.

On-street parking for up to 10 vehicles along Showground Road and Glennie Street West would also be required per day during the construction and demolition period for construction personnel due to the lack of parking space within the proposal site.

Cyclist and pedestrian movements and access

Pedestrian and cyclist access would be maintained along Showground Road and Riou Street/ Pacific Highway. During delivery/removal of major items some temporary restrictions or diversions to access may be required.

Works on the Pacific Highway to replace poles and/or reduce pole height and manage under road cable crossings would be short-term in duration and may require temporary pedestrian diversions around the work area.

Implementation of a construction traffic management sub-plan and the mitigation measures provided in section 7.5.3 would minimise potential impacts to cyclist and pedestrian movements and safety.

Operation

The substation would operate 24 hours a day to provide power supply to the network at all times. No permanent staff members would be located at the Gosford South substation building. The existing main office building on site is being retained as part of the proposal for administration activities. Maintenance activities would involve approximately three to five visits each month. These visits would generally consist of one utility vehicle accessing the site. In emergency situations additional vehicles may need to access the site.

Oversized vehicles may occasionally need to access the Gosford South substation site to maintain and/or replace the transformers. Should this be required, these vehicles would enter the site from Riou Street.

Oversized vehicles may occasionally need to park on Showground Road for works relating to the Wyoming sectioning hut. There may be parking for light vehicles available in the rail corridor, south of the switch compound. If this is not available, maintenance vehicles will use


street parking along Showground Road. Access to the site will from the switch compound building’s yard entrance and via a foot path leading to the sectioning hut.


Construction

A traffic management sub-plan would be prepared as part of the CEMP. It would include the following measures:

Traffic and access would be managed in accordance with Traffic Control at Work Sites (RTA, 2010) and in consultation with Roads and Maritime Services and Gosford City Council

Residents, property owners and business operators would be notified of any access restrictions in advance of work commencing

A temporary construction work zone would be established and maintained in accordance with Council requirements

Appropriate traffic management controls would be implemented, including precautionary signs, illuminated warning devices, manual and/or electronic traffic control, and the provision of temporary barriers and markers, to control pedestrians and traffic access to and around the proposal site

Safe access points to the proposal site would be established, including safety measures such as security fencing and/or barriers, maintaining sight distance requirements, signage and the provision of traffic management measures

The requirements of the Roads Act 1993 would be followed at all times prior to and during all work (including notice requirements, consultation and consent/concurrence requirements for work within public and classified roads)

Oversized deliveries would be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Council, Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Police

The timing of deliveries accessing the site would be scheduled in periods when there is sufficient space within the temporary construction compound to accommodate deliveries.

Operation


7.6 Noise and vibration

A noise and vibration assessment of the proposal was undertaken by GHD. The results of this assessment are summarised below. The full assessment report is provided in Appendix C

7.6.1 Assessment approach and methodology

The noise and vibration assessment involved the following:

Background noise monitoring was undertaken at two representative locations to determine existing noise levels. A description of the noise monitoring methodology is provided in section 2.2.1 of Appendix C.

An assessment of the potential for construction noise and vibration impacts was undertaken in accordance with:

– Industrial Noise Policy (EPA, 2000)

– Interim Construction Noise Guideline (ICNG) (DECC, 2009)


– Assessing Vibration: a Technical Guideline (DEC, 2006)

– Road Noise Policy (RNP) (DECCW, 2011)

– Sydney Trains Environmental Management System Guide Noise and Vibration from Rail Facilities (Sydney Trains, 2013)

– Construction Noise Strategy (Rail Projects) (Transport for NSW, 2012).

An assessment of the potential for operation noise impacts was undertaken in accordance with the Industrial Noise Policy (EPA, 2000).

Further information on the assessment approach and detailed results are provided in sections 4 and 5 of Appendix C.


Noise and vibration sensitive receivers were defined based on the type of occupancy and the activities undertaken. The nearest sensitive receivers and land uses to the Gosford South substation site are as follows:

residences adjacent to the Central Coast Highway, approximately 80 metres north of the proposal site

Central Coast Stadium, approximately 140 metres east of the proposal site.

The nearest sensitive receivers and land uses to the site of the proposed sectioning hut and the existing substation that is to be decommissioned and demolished are as follows:

residences adjacent to the rail corridor, approximately 90 metres south east of the existing substation

Showground/greyhound race track, approximately 50 metres south west of the existing substation

commercial and industrial sites on adjacent lots north and west of the existing substation, and commercial sites approximately 100 metres east of the existing substation.

Residential receivers have been grouped into noise catchment areas (NCAs) for measurement of background noise levels and establishment of noise criteria as residences within these areas are expected to experience similar background noise levels. The first NCA (NCA 1) is adjacent to the Central Coast Highway and is in the vicinity of the proposed South Gosford substation site. These residents have been labelled with the prefix ‘RA’. The second NCA (NCA 2) is adjacent to the rail corridor near the site of the sectioning hut and is in the vicinity of the existing substation which is to be decommissioned and demolished. These residents have been labelled with the prefix ‘RB’.

Individually assessed residential receivers are identified in Table 7-6 and shown in Figure 7-6 and Figure 7-7. The proposed substation and sectioning hut locations are shown in red. The existing Gosford substation to be demolished is shown in blue in Figure 7-7.


Figure 7-6 Noise catchment area 1


Figure 7-7 Noise catchment area 2.


Noise monitoring was undertaken from 3 December to 17 December 2014 at NCA 1 and at NCA 2 to determine background noise levels. Monitoring was undertaken at secure locations which are considered representative of the ambient environment in the vicinity of each site.

Table 7-3 Average background and ambient noise levels at logger locations

Location of noise logger

Average rating background level, 90th percentile LA90(15min) (dB(A))

Average ambient noise levels, LAeq(period) (dB(A))

Day Evening Night Day Evening Night

Batley Street (Gosford South site)

43 41 33 51 53 47

Mann Street (Wyoming site)

46 40 31 54 57 48

7.6.3 Noise and vibration criteria

Section 3 of Appendix C describes how the assessment criteria were derived for the following:

construction noise management levels

construction vibration – human comfort

construction vibration – structural damage

operational noise – intrusive criteria

operational noise – amenity criteria

traffic noise during construction and operation

sleep disturbance during construction and operation.

The project specific construction noise criteria for the proposed construction activities during recommended standard hours and outside of the recommended standard hours are provided in Table 7-4. Compliance criteria are described in full in Appendix C. The recommended specific operational noise criteria are shown in Table 7-5 for each sensitive receiver type.


Table 7-4 Proposal specific construction noise criteria

Receiver Construction noise management level, LAeq(15min) 1 Sleep disturbance

screening test LAmax

(external) During standard recommended hours

Outside of standard hours

7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, 8 am to 1 pm Saturday, no work on Sunday or public holidays

Day 7 am to 8 am and 1 pm to 6 pm Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm Sunday & Public Holidays

Evening 6 pm to 10 pm Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays

Night 10 pm to 7 am, Monday to Saturday; 10 pm to 8 am Sunday & Public Holidays

Night 10 pm to 7 am, Monday to Saturday; 10 pm to 8 am Sunday & Public Holidays Noise affected Highly noise

affected

NCA 1 Residential receivers (RA1 to RA12) 53 75 48 46 38 48

NCA 2 Residential receivers (RB4 to RB14) 56 75 51 45 36 46

Active recreational area (RA13 and RB15) 65 - - - - -

Commercial sites (RB2 and RB3) 70 - - - - -

Industrial sites (RB1) 75 - - - - -

Note 1: Noise levels apply at the property boundary that is most exposed to construction noise, and at a height of 1.5 metres above ground level.


Table 7-5 Proposal specific operational noise criteria

Receiver Time period Amenity criteria (acceptable noise level)1,2 LAeq(period)

RBL, LAeq(15min) Intrusive criteria, LAeq(15min)

Proposal specific noise criteria (external)

Sleep disturbance screening test (external)

NCA 1 Residential receivers (RA1 to RA12) Day 55 43 48 48 LAeq(15min) -

Evening 45 41 46 46 LAeq(evening) -

Night 40 33 38 38 LAeq(night) 48 LAmax

NCA 2 Residential receivers (RB4 to RB14) Day 55 46 51 51 LAeq(15min) -

Evening 45 40 45 45 LAeq(evening) -

Night 40 31 36 36 LAeq(night) 46 LAmax

Active recreation (RA13 and RB15) When in use 55 (external) - - 55 LAeq(period) -

Commercial premises (RB2 and RB3) When in use 65 (external) - - 65 LAeq(period) -

Industrial premises (RB1) When in use 70 (external) - - 70 LAeq(period) - Note 1: With consideration to the INP, ‘noise amenity area’ classification, the identified residential receivers have been classified as ‘suburban’. Note 2: Attended observations during the site visit noted that there were no significant industrial noise sources in the area therefore no adjustments have been applied for the proposal.


7.6.4 Impact assessment

Construction

Construction noise

It is anticipated that the majority of work for the proposal would be undertaken during the recommended standard hours as follows:

Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm

Sundays and Public Holidays: no work.

The project is however, scheduled to utilise a number of weekend track possessions and bussing possession between 2015 and 2017. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months. Work during these possessions will generally occur outside of standard hours between 7 am and 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first hour of each day being utilised for tool box talks and other non-noisy activities.

The predicted noise levels at the ground floor (1.5 metre) and first floor (4.5 metre) of sensitive receivers are detailed in Table 7-6. Exceedances from the construction noise management levels are provided in brackets with positive values indicating potential adverse impacts.

Table 7-6 indicates that an exceedance of the noise management level is predicted for each construction scenario for a majority of the identified sensitive receivers at both proposal sites. Note that high receiver levels are primarily driven by the use of small machinery (eg jackhammer and concrete saw). The most affected receiver was found to be the residential receiver RB5 during construction of the proposed Wyoming sectioning hut. RB5 reported a receiver level of 72 dB(A) which is a 16 dB(A) exceedance. This receiver level was primarily driven by the use of small machinery such as a jackhammer. When a 1.5 metre high barrier was placed close to the small machinery noise source, a reduction in receiver level to 69 dB(A) was observed. Using a localised sound barrier to mitigate small machinery meant that piling activities became the new dominant noise source.

It is recommended that the Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW, 2012) standard noise mitigation measures be implemented where feasible and reasonable and all potentially impacted receivers should be informed of the nature of the works, expected noise levels, duration of works and a method of contact.


Table 7-6 Predicted construction noise levels (dB(A)) for standard hours

Receiver ID

Receiver Standard hours criteria

Site clearing and demolition works

Earth works Construction works

Ground floor First floor Ground floor First floor Ground floor First floor

RA1 11 Riou St, Gosford 53 63 (+10) 64 (+11) 60 (+7) 62 (+9) 64 (+11) 65 (+12)

RA2 9 Riou St, Gosford 53 59 (+6) 61 (+8) 56 (+3) 58 (+5) 60 (+7) 62 (+9)

RA3 13 Doughan Pl, Gosford 53 62 (+9) 64 (+11) 60 (+7) 62 (+9) 63 (+10) 65 (+12)

RA4 15 Dougan Pl, Gosford 53 62 (+9) 63 (+10) 59 (+6) 61 (+8) 63 (+10) 65 (+12)

RA5 17 Doughan Pl, Gosford 53 61 (+8) 63 (+10) 58 (+5) 60 (+7) 62 (+9) 64 (+11)

RA6 19-21 Central Coast Highway 53 60 (+7) 62 (+9) 58 (+5) 60 (+7) 61 (+8) 63 (+10)

RA7 23-25 Central Coast Highway 53 57 (+4) 57 (+4) 54 (+1) 54 (+1) 57 (+4) 57 (+4)

RA8 23-25 Central Coast Highway 53 56 (+3) 58 (+5) 53 (0) 56 (+3) 57 (+4) 60 (+7)

RA9 23-25 Central Coast Highway 53 51 (-2) 56 (+3) 47 (-6) 52 (-1) 51 (-2) 56 (+3)

RA10 19-21 Central Coast Highway 53 50 (-3) 47 (-6) 50 (-3) 44 (-9) 52 (-1) 48 (-5)

RA11 2 St George St, Gosford 53 59 (+6) 61 (+8) 56 (+3) 59 (+6) 60 (+7) 63 (+10)

RA12 4 St George St, Gosford 53 58 (+5) 60 (+7) 55 (+2) 58 (+5) 59 (+6) 62 (+9)

RA13 Central Cost Stadium 65 60 (-5) - 57 (-8) - 61 (-4) -

RB1 36 Glennie St, West Gosford 75 71 (-4) - 60 (-15) - 64 (-11) -

RB2 86 Showground Rd, Gosford 70 84 (+14) - 61 (-9) - 64 (-6) -

RB3 434 Pacific Highway 70 64 (-6) - 69 (-1) - 74 (+4) -

RB4 429 Mann St, Gosford 56 58 (+2) - 59 (+3) - 63 (+7) -

RB5 24 Campbell St, North Gosford 56 65 (+9) - 68 (+12) - 72 (+16) -



Receiver ID

Receiver Standard hours criteria

Site clearing and demolition works

Earth works Construction works

Ground floor First floor Ground floor First floor Ground floor First floor





RB11 420 Mann St, North Gosford 56 58 (+2) - 56 (0) - 61 (+5) -

RB12 422 Mann St, North Gosford 56 57 (+1) - 57 (+1) - 62 (+6) -

RB13 424 Mann St, North Gosford 56 60 (+4) - 58 (+2) - 63 (+7) -


RB15 Gosford showground 65 59 (-6) - 54 (-11) - 58 (-7) -

Table 7-7 Predicted worst case outside of standard hours receiver levels

Receiver ID Receiver

Outside of standard hours criteria Worst case outside of standard hours receiver levels

Day Evening Day Ground floor

Day First floor

Evening Ground floor

Evening First floor

RA1 11 Riou St, Gosford 48 46 63 (+15) 65 (+17) 63 (+17) 65 (+19)

RA2 9 Riou St, Gosford 48 46 59 (+11) 61 (+13) 59 (+13) 61 (+15)

RA3 13 Doughan Pl, Gosford 48 46 63 (+15) 64 (+16) 63 (+17) 64 (+18)

RA4 15 Dougan Pl, Gosford 48 46 62 (+14) 64 (+16) 62 (+16) 64 (+18)

RA5 17 Doughan Pl, Gosford 48 46 61 (+13) 63 (+15) 61 (+15) 63 (+17)

RA6 19-21 Central Coast Highway 48 46 60 (+12) 62 (+14) 60 (+14) 62 (+16)



Receiver ID Receiver

Outside of standard hours criteria Worst case outside of standard hours receiver levels

Day Evening Day Ground floor

Day First floor

Evening Ground floor

Evening First floor



RA10 19-21 Central Coast Highway 48 46 51 (+3) 47 (-1) 51 (+5) 47 (+1)

RA11 2 St George St, Gosford 48 46 59 (+11) 62 (+14) 59 (+13) 62 (+16)

RA12 4 St George St, Gosford 48 46 58 (+10) 61 (+13) 58 (+12) 61 (+15)

RA13 Central Cost Stadium 65 65 60 (-5) - 60 (-5) -

RB1 36 Glennie St, West Gosford 75 - 66 (-9) - - -

RB2 86 Showground Rd, Gosford 70 - 73 (+3) - - -

RB3 434 Pacific Highway 70 - 74 (+4) - - -

RB4 429 Mann St, Gosford 51 45 63 (+12) - 63 (+18) -

RB5 24 Campbell St, North Gosford 51 45 72 (+21) - 72 (+27) -






RB11 420 Mann St, North Gosford 51 45 63 (+12) - 63 (+18) -




RB15 Gosford showground 65 65 58 (-7) - 58 (-7) -


Outside of standard hours work and sleep disturbance

Work undertaken outside of recommended standard hours will potentially cause noise impacts at a majority of sensitive receivers. Predicted worst case noise impacts have been modelled based on equipment likely to be used outside of standard hours. Use of small machinery outside standard hours will produce similar receiver levels to reported receiver levels during standard hours. Predicted worst case receiver levels are presented in Table 7-7. Impacts outside of standard hours for neighbouring commercial and industrial premises have not been considered.

The additional mitigation measures outlined in the Construction Noise Strategy should be implemented to mitigate potential impacts from work conducted outside recommended standard hours.

Traffic noise

In accordance with the Road Noise Policy (DECCW, 2011), construction traffic noise is considered to acceptable when it is within two dB(A) of the existing noise levels. The doubling of traffic on a road is considered to generally result in an increase in noise levels of about three dB(A). The proposal would only result in a small daily increase in vehicles (a maximum of about 40 movements per day), which is a minor increase when compared with existing traffic levels (refer Appendix C). Therefore, the proposal would not result in any exceedance of the road traffic noise criteria.

Construction vibration

Human comfort

Safe working buffer distances to comply with the human comfort and structural damage criteria were calculated and are presented in Table 7-8.

Table 7-8 Vibration buffer distances (metres)

Activity Human comfort Structural damage

Heritage building/structure Standard dwellings

7 tonne compactor 50 m 20 m 13 m

Jackhammer1 Avoid contact with structure

2 m (nominal) 1 m (nominal)

Excavator 18 m 8 m 5 m

Piling (bored) 1 - 4 m (nominal) 2 m (nominal)

Dozer 25 m 10 m 6 m

Note 1: These distances have been sourced from the Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW, 2012)

The nearest residential receivers at both the existing substation and the proposal sites are greater than 80 metres from the area of works. It is noted that the existing substation site is adjacent to a commercial premises. There is potential for human comfort impacts at this sensitive receiver during high vibration generating activities.

The human comfort vibration impacts would be short-term in nature and where possible scheduled during standard hours. Sensitive receivers and land uses within the safe working distance buffers would be informed of the nature of the works, duration and contact details as part of the proposal communications strategy.

No heritage structures are identified within 20 metres of vibration intensive activities. One heritage item is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the site Gosford Railway Underbridge and Piers, listed in the Gosford LEP (No. 50). Minor works such as electrical


cabling are required to be undertaken adjacent to this structure, however this should not result in any significant levels of vibration. As a safe guard, all vibration generating activities should remain outside of the safe working distances specified in Table 7-8.

Building damage vibration impacts are not expected at sensitive receivers.

Potential for building damage

The assessment indicates that the predicted magnitude of ground vibrations would not be sufficient to cause damage to any standard buildings located further than 13 metres from the proposal site, or any heritage buildings located further than 20 metres from the proposal site. As there are no buildings located within these distances, no vibration (building damage) impacts are anticipated during construction.

Operation

Based on information provided at the time of the assessment, it is understood the primary sources of noise emission at the proposed Gosford South substation would include:

two rectifier transformers

one power transformer

two rectifiers

direct current circuit breakers.

Any emergency alarms are considered one-off events and have not been included in this assessment.

The primary sources of noise emission at the proposed sectioning hut are assumed to include direct current circuit breakers (DCCB). The sectioning hut would also house a battery room, but given the enclosure of the battery chargers and the distance to the nearest sensitive receiver, the only equipment anticipated to potentially cause an impact to sensitive receivers is a DCCB trip event.

The following modelling cases were run:

case 1: rectifiers and transformers operating for assessment against the LAeq(night) intrusive noise criteria

case 2: substation DCCB tripping for assessment against the external sleep disturbance screening test.

The worst case noise levels at sensitive residential receivers surrounding the proposal site are shown in Table 7-9 and Table 7-10 for case 1 and case 2 respectively. The predicted noise levels with a comparison against the noise criteria are provided in Appendix C. There were no exceedances of the night-time operational criteria predicted. Exceedances of the sleep disturbance screening test are provided in brackets with positive values indicating potential adverse impacts. The sectioning hut does not contain any sources that are anticipated to cause noise impacts. Therefore operational noise levels have only been considered for those sensitive receivers within NCA 1.


Table 7-9 Predicted operational noise levels during normal operations (dB(A))

Receiver ID

Receiver Operational criteria, LAeq(night)

Predicted noise levels, LAeq(night),

dB(A)

Receiver height

Ground floor First floor

RA1 11 Riou St, Gosford 38 18 (-20) 18 (-20)

RA2 9 Riou St, Gosford 38 16 (-22) 16 (-22)

RA3 13 Doughan Pl, Gosford 38 19 (-19) 19 (-19)

RA4 15 Dougan Pl, Gosford 38 19 (-19) 19 (-19)

RA5 17 Doughan Pl, Gosford 38 18 (-20) 18 (-20)

RA6 19-21 Central Coast Highway 38 17 (-21) 17 (-21)





RA11 2 St George St, Gosford 38 16 (-22) 16 (-22)

RA12 4 St George St, Gosford 38 16 (-22) 16 (-22)

Table 7-10 Predicted operational noise levels during DCCB tripping (dB(A))

Receiver ID

Receiver Sleep disturbance screening test, LAmax

Predicted noise levels, LAmax

Receiver height


RA1 11 Riou St, Gosford 48 56 (+8) 56 (+8)

RA2 9 Riou St, Gosford 48 53 (+5) 54 (+6)

RA3 13 Doughan Pl, Gosford 48 56 (+8) 57 (+9)

RA4 15 Dougan Pl, Gosford 48 55 (+7) 56 (+8)

RA5 17 Doughan Pl, Gosford 48 54 (+6) 55 (+7)

RA6 19-21 Central Coast Highway 48 54 (+6) 55 (+7)




RA10 19-21 Central Coast Highway 48 48 (0) 45 (-3)

RA11 2 St George St, Gosford 48 53 (+5) 54 (+6)

RA12 4 St George St, Gosford 48 52 (+4) 53 (+5)

RB4 429 Mann St, Gosford 46 52 (+6) -

RB5 24 Campbell St, North Gosford 46 63 (+17) -






Receiver ID

Receiver Sleep disturbance screening test, LAmax

Predicted noise levels, LAmax

Receiver height



RB11 420 Mann St, North Gosford 46 50 (+4) -




Based on supplied information and modelling assumptions the predicted noise levels indicate the following:

case 1 - with transformers and rectifiers operating at full load, the operational noise criteria are not predicted to be exceeded at any sensitive receiver.

case 2 - with DCCB tripping, the sleep disturbance criteria are predicted to be exceeded at all identified residential receivers except for two, within NCA 1, and for all identified residential receivers in NCA 2.

DCCB tripping is however, an extremely infrequent event with approximately three to five openings within a substation per year. DCCB is also more likely during high network load periods and with the development of additional substations the risk of DCCB tripping is further reduced. Therefore due to the infrequency of events, DCCB tripping is not anticipated to adversely impact surrounding residences.

Traffic noise

Vehicle movements associated with servicing and maintenance would be infrequent and are not expected to cause noise impacts. No operational traffic noise impacts are anticipated at sensitive receivers.

Operation vibration

There would be no vibration impacts associated with the operation of the proposal.


Construction

A noise and vibration management sub-plan would be prepared as part of the CEMP in accordance with the Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW 2012). It would include the following measures:

Mitigation measures documented in Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW 2012) would be adopted where feasible and reasonable

Sensitive receivers would be identified and marked on plans

Works would be scheduled during recommended standard hours where practicable

All equipment and construction methodologies would be selected to minimise noise emissions. Equipment would be fitted with appropriate silencers and be in good working order. Machines found to produce excessive noise compared to normal industry expectations would be removed from the site or stood down until repairs or modifications can be made.


Truck drivers would be informed of designated vehicle routes, parking locations and the requirement to minimise engine idling

Non-tonal reversing beepers (or an equivalent mechanism) must be fitted and used on construction vehicles and mobile plant regularly used on-site and for any out of hours work

Where noise and vibration levels during the construction works are predicted to exceed acceptable levels after implementation of general work practices, the additional mitigation measures included in Table 6-1 and 6-2 of Appendix C would be implemented where reasonable and feasible.

If out of hours works beyond those assessed in section 7.6.4 are required, the contractor would prepare and submit a Transport for NSW Out of Hours Work Assessment (3TP-PR-065) and Application Form (9TP-FT-079) for approval prior to the works being undertaken. All out of hours works and activities outside the recommended standard hours are to be undertaken with additional mitigation measures in accordance with the Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW 2012)

Nearby receivers would be notified of the works prior to commencement. Notification would include expected noise levels, duration of the works and a method of contact (Transport for NSW’s 1800 775 465 number).

All vibration generating activities should remain outside of the safe working distances specified for sensitive receivers and heritage structures.

Operation

The measures provided below would be implemented during operation:

any noise complaints would be investigated in accordance with Sydney Train’s standard operational procedures.

7.7 Air quality


A search of the National Pollutant Inventory was conducted on 21 December 2014 for the study area. The National Pollutant Inventory contains data on 93 substances around Australia that have been identified by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment as important due to their possible effect on human health and the environment.

A search of the National Pollutant Inventory for the 2012 to 2013 reporting period identified 12 air pollutant substances from 11 sources in the Gosford LGA. No facilities are located in the same suburbs as the proposal site. The closest facility sources identified are all within the suburb of Somersby, about five kilometres west of the proposal site.

Other contributors to air quality within the study area include emissions from motor vehicles on the surrounding road network, and the diesel trains on the adjoining rail corridor.

The nearest sensitive receivers are residential properties along Campbell Street and Riou Street/Pacific Highway.


Construction

The proposal would have minimal impact on air quality as it would not involve substantial clearing, earthworks or other land disturbance with the potential to generate significant


quantities of dust. Small amounts of dust may be produced by the excavation associated with piling, and the movement of construction vehicles.

Dust impacts have the potential to impact on the amenity of people in nearby buildings or passing the proposal site. Due to the small amount of dust expected and the relatively short duration of works, these impacts are considered to be minimal.

The operation of plant, machinery and trucks may also lead to increases in exhaust emissions in the study area; however these impacts would be minor and short-term.

Implementation of standard air quality management controls (listed in section 7.7.3) would minimise the potential for air quality impacts.

Operation

The operation of the proposal would not result in any major air quality impacts.

Sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) would be used as an insulator within the new switchgear. SF6

has the potential to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions as it has a high greenhouse gas equivalence of 23,900 times that of carbon dioxide. SF6 is sealed within gas‐tight compartments inside the switchgear. However, leakage could occur during maintenance activities or through poor work practices. This would be managed by the mitigation measures proposed in section 7.7.3.


Construction

An air quality management sub-plan would be prepared as part of the CEMP. It would include the following measures:

all plant and machinery would be fitted with emission control devices complying with the Australian design standards

machinery would be turned off when not in use and not left to idle for prolonged periods

vehicle movements would be limited to designated entries and exits, haulage routes (to be determined during preparation of the traffic management plan, and in consultation with roads and maritime services and council) and parking areas

dust generation would be monitored visually, and where required, dust control measures such as water spraying would be implemented to control the generation of dust

any waste produced on-site would be stored and stockpiled for removal off-site daily, to reduce the production of dust

no burning of waste would occur

materials transported to and from the site would be covered to reduce dust generation in transit

access points would be inspected to determine whether sediment is being transferred to the surrounding road network. if required, sediment would be promptly removed from roads to minimise dust generation

stabilisation of any excavated areas as soon as practicable

fixed hoses would be used to dampen exposed surfaces to minimise dust generation, where required

shade cloth would be fastened to the perimeter fence on the proposal site to minimise dust transported from the site during construction.


Operation

The following mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise impacts on air quality during operation:

Maintenance of switchgear and management of SF6 would be undertaken in accordance with standard management procedures.

7.8 Land use and socio-economic


The socio-economic investigation involved identification of land ownership and land uses (such as shops, institutions (health, education), and recreation facilities) close to the proposal sites. Consideration was given to the following sources:

aerial photography

review of information available from the Gosford LEP

review of relevant strategies.

The existing land uses of the site and surrounds are described in section 2.2 and the land use zones are described in section 3.2.2. The site for the Wyoming sectioning hut forms part of the rail corridor, while the existing Gosford substation and the proposed Gosford South substation are located in lots already utilised for Sydney Train infrastructure.

The community with the potential to be impacted by the proposal would include:

local residents

local businesses around the Wyoming sectioning hut site.


Construction

Land use

The entire proposal site is presently infrastructure or industrial zoned land. During construction the use of the land would change to a construction site.

Community amenity impacts

The proposal has the potential to result in some impacts on the amenity of the surrounding community and/or users of adjoining areas during construction. This could include those properties located in close proximity to the proposal site. These potential impacts, which include visual impacts, traffic and access, noise and air quality, and are, assessed in sections 7.3, 7.5, 7.6 and 7.7, respectively. No significant impacts are identified.

Operation

Land use

The operation of the substation and sectioning hut would not result in any impacts on land use, as it would involve use of existing rail land for rail purposes. This use is consistent with the land use zoning under the LEP and the use of adjoining land as rail corridor.

The decommissioning of the existing Gosford substation would release this land for an alternate purpose in keeping with the industrial zoning of the area. Any future uses would be considered under a separate approvals process.


Community amenity impacts

The potential for operational impacts on visual amenity, traffic and access, noise and air quality, and are assessed in sections 7.3, 7.5, 7.6 and 7.7, respectively. No significant long term impacts have been identified.

Wider operational impacts

The proposal involves the provision of infrastructure required to meet the needs of the expanded Sydney Trains fleet, and is therefore consistent with the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan. Operation of this proposal would improve service reliability by reducing the risk of disruption to rail services. This would have a socio-economic benefit to all communities with access to the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line service.


Construction

The following mitigation measures would be implemented during construction:

The CEMP would specify the approach to consultation during construction, the communication tools to be used, and response protocols. Specific consultation tasks to be undertaken include:

– advising affected landholders of the proposal, the construction hours and duration of work, and supplying a contact number for any queries relating to the work

– displaying accurate public information signs while work is in progress and until site restoration has been completed.

Operation


7.9 Electromagnetic energy


An electromagnetic energy report for the proposal was undertaken by EMC Services Pty Ltd in April 2015. The results of this assessment are summarised below. The full assessment report is provided in Appendix E.

Electromagnetic energy (EME) is invisible and found everywhere electricity is present. An electric field is a region where electric charges experience an invisible force. The strength of this force is related to the voltage, or the pressure which forces electricity along wires. Electric fields are strongest close to their source, and their strength diminishes rapidly as we move away from the source.

A magnetic field is a region where magnetic materials experience an invisible force produced by the flow of electricity, commonly known as current. Unlike electric fields, magnetic fields are only present when electric current is flowing.

The strength of a magnetic field depends on the size of the current (measured in amps), and decreases rapidly once we move away from the source. While electric fields are blocked by many common materials, this is not the case with magnetic fields.

There are two components to an electromagnetic field, the electric field strength which is very weak at the proposed voltage (1500 volts) and the magnetic field strength which decreases in an inverse square relationship close to the source and at a higher rate approximating an inverse cubic relationship at further distances.


In recent years there has been an increase in community concerns over the long-term health effects on people living and working near power lines and facilities, particularly high voltage power lines. The Australian Radiation and Nuclear Protection Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has published on its website a draft standard for exposure to magnetic fields which advocates a full-time exposure limit of 100 microtesla for the general public (a microtesla is a unit of measurement for magnetic strength), and a higher value for occupational exposure.

7.9.2 Impact assessment

An assessment of the potential electromagnetic fields for the proposal was undertaken by EMC Services (EMC 2015), refer Appendix E. This assessment found that the strongest magnetic field in public areas outside of the proposed substation is predicted to be at the eastern wall of the substation, next to the train tracks; however the field level does not exceed the permissible exposure limit of 100 microtesla for the general public. The electric fields within and outside the substation are also well within the applicable limit.

Inside the substation building, within 1.1 metres and 0.5 metres of the 600 V cabling between the transformer and the rectifier, the predicted maximum power frequency magnetic field will exceed 100 microtesla for the general public and 500 microtesla for occupational personnel. However, these areas would be fenced off and would only be accessed by appropriately qualified persons.

Without accounting for shielding inherent within the substation, when the substation is fully loaded, the RF electric fields at a distance of more than 25 metres of the substation would not exceed the applicable limit for urban broadcast reception. Within 25 metre distance from the substation, radio reception may be impacted, especially for AM and HF frequency bands, though the latter would generally be less of a concern, as is typically used by amateur radio operators. As the retained main office building is about 30 metres away from the substation, there should be no concerns of radio frequency interference on this office building. However, as the rail track is within 25 metres radius from the 600V cabling in the substation, there would be a low to medium risk for any train communication system which may operate over the MF to HF frequency bands. These levels would be reduced somewhat once shielding from the substation building is factored in. The proposal is not expected to result in any interference to FM radio or television signals as the increase in EME would not significantly add to the existing ambient environment.


Construction


Operation

The following mitigation measures would be implemented during operation to manage electromagnetic energy:

An electromagnetic study is to be conducted for the detailed design, to assess the final electromagnetic environment and if required any modifications would be made to the design to ensure electromagnetic compliance and compatibility.

After installation of the substation, it is recommended that an electromagnetic survey be conducted, to assess the final electromagnetic environment, to ensure electromagnetic compliance and compatibility.


7.10 Waste management

7.10.1 Waste generation

Construction

The main waste generated during construction would be spoil from excavations (about 450 cubic metres) for the Gosford South substation site Wyoming sectioning hut site. General waste, such as surplus pipe and cabling associated with connecting the site to services would also be produced. Careful planning of construction activities would ensure that the volume of surplus materials is minimised. The small scale of the proposal means that only a small volume of waste is likely to be generated in comparison to other larger infrastructure construction projects.

The fit out stage would also generate small volumes of waste associated with off cuts from communications and electrical cables.

A pre-demolition hazardous building materials assessment (Douglas Partners 2015c) was undertaken to identify hazardous building materials in structures to be removed or demolished in both the existing Gosford substation and the Gosford South substation site.

Decommissioning and demolition

Decommissioning of the depot buildings at the Gosford South substation site and demolition of the existing Gosford substation would involve removal of all redundant equipment and cabling and demolition of buildings. Where possible, buildings to be removed at the Gosford South substation site would be dismantled for reuse/sale at other locations.

All waste would be collected and stored on the proposal site, prior to disposal in accordance with Waste Classification Guidelines (EPA 2014). Where possible, this material would be reused or recycled in preference to disposal.

The Pre-demolition hazardous building materials report (Douglas Partners 2015c) identified the following materials within the buildings to be removed at the proposed Gosford South substation site and the existing substation site:



lead-based paint

polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)

CFC and HCFC refrigerants.

Operation

The only waste generated during operation would be related to periodic maintenance and general personnel waste. This would include materials such as electrical wiring that would be disposed of in accordance with Sydney Trains’ existing procedures and the Waste Classification Guidelines (EPA 2014).


Construction

The following mitigation measures would be implemented during construction:

wastes generated by the proposal would be managed in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (EPA, 2014) and in accordance with the waste minimisation hierarchy as follows:


– avoidance, where possible

– treated, as required and reused on-site

– recycled, either within the process or off-site

– where other alternatives are not possible, wastes would be disposed of at appropriately licensed waste management facilities.

the removal, handling and disposal of any asbestos waste would be undertaken by an appropriately licensed contractor, and in accordance with:

– Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2005

– Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces 2005.

Operation


7.11 Cumulative impacts

7.11.1 Existing or potential projects

A search of the Department of Planning and Environment website indicated that there are no major projects proposed in the vicinity of the proposal site.

The closest development area identified is the Gosford Waterfront site which was rezoned in 2014, establishing new land use zones. This site includes the proposed new Gosford performing arts centre. It is about 500 metres east of the Gosford South substation site on the opposite side of the rail corridor.

Gosford passing loops is a project to manage low moving freight trains currently delaying passenger services. To address this issue, two passing loops (northbound and southbound) are being constructed between Gosford and Narara Stations, to allow freight trains to wait whilst passenger services pass. Works relating to this project are located in the same location as the proposed Wyoming sectioning hut, and opposite the existing Gosford substation.

A search of the development application tracking database for Gosford City Council was undertaken on the 25 March 2015. Recent applications in the study area related mainly to vegetation removal and mixed use/commercial development on Showground Road. These developments are located about one kilometre to the south of the Wyoming sectioning hut site and 0.8 kilometres to the north of the Gosford South substation site.


No major applications for development in close proximity to the proposal site have been lodged. Construction of a number of smaller scale projects may occur in the local area. However the cumulative impacts of the proposal and such small scale projects are expected to be relatively minor and manageable with the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in section 7.11.3.

Gosford passing loops project is due for completion mid-2015. Works are therefore anticipated to be completed before construction of the sectioning hut and demolition of the existing substation commence. The project would however result in an elongation of construction works at this location and the indirect local impacts of noise disturbance, visual intrusion and disruption to local traffic. These impacts are considered to be short term, only extending the local construction program by a few months, and therefore minor. There would be a long term cumulative impact of the combined structures from both projects at the Wyoming sectioning hut site. There is no change of use at this site however, as it continues as rail infrastructure within an industrial area, this is therefore considered to be a minor reduction in local visual amenity.


The proposed Gosford performing arts centre does not have development approval yet and it is considered unlikely to commence before the Gosford South substation and Wyoming sectioning hut proposal has been completed and therefore there would be no cumulative impacts from construction traffic, noise or air quality impacts.


Construction

The following mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise impacts during construction:

Transport for NSW and/or the construction contractor would consult with the proponents of other developments identified in the vicinity of the proposal site to address any potential cumulative impacts.

Operation



8. Environmental management This section provides an outline of the environmental management requirements for the proposal, and a consolidated list of mitigation measures that form the environmental management framework.

8.1 Environmental management plan

8.1.1 Construction

Transport for NSW’s ISO 14001 accredited environmental management system (EMS) would be used to manage the proposal. The management system would provide the framework for implementing the environmental management measures documented in this REF, and any conditions of other approvals, licences or permits.

A CEMP would be prepared for the proposal. The CEMP would provide a centralised mechanism through which all potential environmental impacts would be managed. The CEMP would document mechanisms for achieving compliance with the commitments made in this REF, the conditions of approval and other relevant statutory approvals. The plan would address (at a minimum) the following elements:

water and soil management

flora and fauna management

noise and vibration management

air quality management

traffic and transport management

heritage management

waste management

community and stakeholder communication.

The plan would be prepared by the contractor/s for the proposal and would be reviewed and endorsed by Transport for NSW prior to the commencement of construction. Implementation and compliance with the CEMP would be monitored by Transport for NSW for the duration of construction. One of the minimum requirements in terms of the tender for the contractor/s is that they have an environmental management plan capable of meeting the requirements of ISO 14001.

8.1.2 Operation

For the operational phase, environmental issues and impacts would be managed under Sydney Trains’ existing operational EMS and through the mitigation measures in section 8.2. The substation would also operate in accordance with Sydney Trains’ existing EPL (EPL No. 12208).

8.2 Summary of mitigation measures

The REF has identified a range of environmental impacts with the potential to occur as a result of the proposal. Table 8-1 provides a summary of the measures proposed to mitigate and manage the potential impacts of the proposal.

The measures listed in Table 8-1 may be revised in response to submissions raised during targeted consultation of the REF. Transport for NSW would consider the final environmental


management commitments when making a determination on the proposal. Following determination, the finalised mitigation measures would guide subsequent phases of the proposal. Any contractor/s selected to undertake work would be required to undertake all works in accordance with these measures, the conditions of approval and any other relevant statutory approvals

Environmental management measures to be implemented during the proposal are listed in Table 8-1. These measures have been consolidated from those included in section 7 of the REF.

Table 8-1 Mitigation measures

Issue ID number

Mitigation measure

Construction

Soils and water quality

A.1 A soils and water quality sub-plan would be prepared as part of the CEMP. It would include the following measures: • Sediment and erosion control devices would be installed to

minimise transport of sediment in accordance with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction (Landcom, 2004). These devices would be inspected regularly and immediately after rainfall to ensure effectiveness over the duration of works. Any damage to erosion and sediment controls would be rectified immediately.

• Maintenance and checking of the erosion and sedimentation controls would be undertaken on a regular basis and any subsequent records retained. Sediment would be cleared from behind barriers/sand bags on a regular basis as required and all controls would be managed to ensure they work effectively at all times.

• Any soils excavated that are to be used as backfill would be appropriately stored until required.

• Disturbed areas would be restored at the completion of works. • Spill kits would be maintained on-site at all times and staff training

on spill prevention/management provided. • Machinery would be checked daily to ensure that no oil, fuel or

other liquids are leaking. • Refuelling of plant and equipment would be undertaken within an

appropriately bunded area within the proposal site. • All water discharges would be undertaken in accordance with

Transport for NSW’s Water Discharge and Re-use Guideline (2012).

• The existing drainage systems would remain operational during construction.

• Clean water would be diverted around the worksite in accordance with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction

A.2 An ‘unexpected finds protocol’ would be prepared and included in the CEMP to assist with the identification, assessment, management, health and safety implications, remediation and/or disposal (at an appropriately licenced facility) of any potentially contaminated soil and/or water.

A.3 Excavation works at Gosford South substation site which may expose acid sulfate soils would need to be undertaken in accordance with an acid sulfate soil management plan prepared in accordance with the ASS Manual (ASSMAC 1998).

A.4 Water quality control measures are to be used to prevent any materials (eg. concrete, grout, sediment etc) entering drain inlets or waterways.

A.5 Measures to control pollutants from stormwater and spills entering groundwater would be investigated and incorporated in the drainage system at locations where it discharges to the receiving drainage lines.


Issue ID number

Mitigation measure

Flora and fauna B.1 Weed control mitigation and management strategies shall be documented and implemented in accordance with the CEMP and Noxious Weeds Act 1993. This shall include procedures to reduce the spread of weeds via vehicles and machinery.

B.2 Access to the site and the extent of vegetation clearing would be restricted to the proposal site as identified in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2. Separate approvals are required for removal or trimming of vegetation outside these areas.

B.3 Vegetation planted on-site would consist of locally endemic native species, unless otherwise agreed with Transport for NSW, following consultation with Gosford City Council, and Sydney Trains where relevant.

Visual amenity C.1 Material would be attached to the site fencing to minimise views of the worksite.

C.2 The worksite would be left in a tidy manner at the end of each work day.

C.3 Directional lighting would be mounted to avoid light spill into adjoining buildings during any night works, particularly during any rail shutdown periods.

Heritage D.1 All heritage items in the immediate vicinity of the proposal site would be marked on site plans, and avoided.

D.2 A heritage induction would be provided to all workers before construction commences informing them of the location of heritage items and guidelines to follow if unanticipated heritage items or deposits are located during construction.

D.3 If any unanticipated archaeological deposits are identified within the proposal site during construction, work likely to impact on the deposit would cease immediately and the NSW Heritage Division and an archaeologist would be contacted. Where required, further archaeological work and/or consents would be obtained prior to works recommencing at the location.

D.4 Should Aboriginal heritage items be uncovered all work in the vicinity would cease and the Project Manager and Transport for NSW staff will be notified immediately. OEH would be notified in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1979. The local Aboriginal Land Council would be notified and an assessment by an archaeologist would be arranged to determine the significance of the objects and any other requirements before work resumes.

Traffic and transport

E.1 Traffic and access would be managed in accordance with Traffic Control at Work Sites (RTA, 2010) and in consultation with Roads and Maritime Services and Gosford City Council

E.2 Residents, property owners and business operators would be notified of any access restrictions in advance of work commencing.

E.3 A temporary construction work zone would be established and maintained in accordance with Council requirements.

E.4 Appropriate traffic management controls would be implemented, including precautionary signs, illuminated warning devices, manual and/or electronic traffic control, and the provision of temporary barriers and markers, to control pedestrians and traffic access to and around the proposal site.

E.5 Safe access points to the proposal site would be established, including safety measures such as security fencing and/or barriers, maintaining sight distance requirements, signage and the provision of traffic management measures.


Issue ID number

Mitigation measure

E.6 The requirements of the Roads Act 1993 would be followed at all times prior to and during all work (including notice requirements, consultation and consent/concurrence requirements for work within public and classified roads).

E.7 Oversized deliveries would be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Council, Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Police.

E.8 The timing of deliveries accessing the site would be scheduled in periods when there is sufficient space within the temporary construction compound to accommodate deliveries.

Noise and vibration

F.1 Mitigation measures documented in Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW 2012) would be adopted where feasible and reasonable.

F.2 Sensitive receivers would be identified and marked on plans.

F.3 Works would be scheduled during recommended standard hours where practicable.

F.4 All equipment and construction methodologies would be selected to minimise noise emissions. Equipment would be fitted with appropriate silencers and be in good working order. Machines found to produce excessive noise compared to normal industry expectations would be removed from the site or stood down until repairs or modifications can be made.

F.5 Truck drivers would be informed of designated vehicle routes, parking locations and the requirement to minimise engine idling.

F.6 Non-tonal reversing beepers (or an equivalent mechanism) must be fitted and used on construction vehicles and mobile plant regularly used on-site and for any out of hours work.

F.7 Where noise and vibration levels during the construction works are predicted to exceed acceptable levels after implementation of general work practices, the additional mitigation measures included in Table 6-1 and 6-2 of Appendix C would be implemented where reasonable and feasible.

F.8 If out of hours works beyond those assessed in section 7.6.4 are required, the contractor would prepare and submit a Transport for NSW Out of Hours Work Assessment (3TP-PR-065) and Application Form (9TP-FT-079) for approval prior to the works being undertaken. All out of hours works and activities outside the recommended standard hours are to be undertaken with additional mitigation measures in accordance with the Construction Noise Strategy (Transport for NSW 2012).

F.9 Nearby receivers would be notified of the works prior to commencement. Notification would include expected noise levels, duration of the works and a method of contact (Transport for NSW’s 1800 775 465 number).

F.10 All vibration generating activities should remain outside of the safe working distances specified for sensitive receivers and heritage structures.

Air quality G.1 All plant and machinery would be fitted with emission control devices complying with the Australian design standards.

G.2 Machinery would be turned off when not in use and not left to idle for prolonged periods.

G.3 Vehicle movements would be limited to designated entries and exits, haulage routes (to be determined during preparation of the traffic management plan, and in consultation with roads and maritime services and council) and parking areas.


Issue ID number

Mitigation measure

G.4 Dust generation would be monitored visually, and where required, dust control measures such as water spraying would be implemented to control the generation of dust.

G.5 Any waste produced on-site would be stored and stockpiled for removal off-site daily, to reduce the production of dust.

G.6 No burning of waste would occur.

G.7 Materials transported to and from the site would be covered to reduce dust generation in transit.

G.8 Access points would be inspected to determine whether sediment is being transferred to the surrounding road network. if required, sediment would be promptly removed from roads to minimise dust generation.

G.9 Stabilisation of any excavated areas as soon as practicable.

G.10 Fixed hoses would be used to dampen exposed surfaces to minimise dust generation, where required.

G.11 Shade cloth would be fastened to the perimeter fence on the proposal site to minimise dust transported from the site during construction.

Land use H.1 The CEMP would specify the approach to consultation during construction, the communication tools to be used, and response protocols. Specific consultation tasks to be undertaken include: • advising affected landholders of the proposal, the construction

hours and duration of work, and supplying a contact number for any queries relating to the work

• displaying accurate public information signs while work is in progress and until site restoration has been completed.

Waste I.1 Wastes generated by the proposal would be managed in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (EPA, 2014) and in accordance with the waste minimisation hierarchy as follows: • avoidance, where possible • treated, as required and reused on-site • recycled, either within the process or off-site • where other alternatives are not possible, wastes would be

disposed of at appropriately licensed waste management facilities.

I.2 The removal, handling and disposal of any asbestos waste would be undertaken by an appropriately licensed contractor, and in accordance with: • Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2005 • Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in

Workplaces 2005.

Cumulative impacts

J.1 Transport for NSW and/or the construction contractor would consult with the proponents of other developments identified in the vicinity of the proposal site to address any potential cumulative impacts.

Operation

Visual amenity K.1 The detailed design of the proposal would take into account relevant urban design, landscaping and visual considerations.

Noise and vibration

L.1 Any noise complaints would be investigated in accordance with Sydney Train’s standard operational procedures.

Air quality M.1 Maintenance of switchgear and management of SF6 would be undertaken in accordance with standard management procedures.


Issue ID number

Mitigation measure

Electromagnetic energy

N.1 An electromagnetic study is to be conducted for the detailed design, to assess the final electromagnetic environment and if required any modifications would be made to the design to ensure electromagnetic compliance and compatibility.

N2 After installation of the substation, it is recommended that an electromagnetic survey be conducted, to assess the final electromagnetic environment, to ensure electromagnetic compliance and compatibility.


9. Conclusion This REF considers the potential impacts of the proposal to construct a new substation and sectioning hut at Gosford and the demolition of the existing Gosford substation. It has been prepared by GHD on behalf of Transport for NSW to assist with determination of the proposal under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.

9.1 Justification of the proposal

The proposal forms part of Transport for NSW’s Power Supply Upgrade Program, which is being undertaken to meet the actual and projected increase in power demands on the Sydney Trains electrical network. A power supply study (RailCorp, 2012) undertaken as part of the PSU Program identified that a new substation was required in the Gosford area and a sectioning hut nearby to:

provide additional capacity on the Central Coast and Newcastle railway line

allow for the decommissioning and demolition of the existing Gosford Substation.

The construction of Gosford South substation and Wyoming sectioning hut would increase the capacity of the power supply network in the area. Without this increase in power supply, the rail network would not have sufficient capacity to meet the power supply needs of the increase in the number of trains, and the increase in the number of air-conditioned trains.

The existing Gosford substation will be redundant following completion and operation of the new Gosford South substation and will therefore require removal.

9.2 Summary of REF findings

The REF has considered the potential impacts of the proposal. It has been prepared in accordance with Part 5 of the EP&A Act, and in particular, the requirements of section 111 of the Act, and clause 228 of the Regulation. The REF has documented the potential environmental impacts of the proposal, considering both potential positive and negative impacts, and recommending management and mitigation measures to protect the environment where required.

9.2.1 Clause 228 considerations

Clause 228 of the Regulation specifies the matters that must be taken into account, for the purposes of Part 5 of the Act, when consideration is being given to the likely impact of an activity on the environment. The potential impacts of the proposal have been considered in sections 7.1 to 7.11 of the REF. The Clause 228 matters and how they relate to the proposal are considered in Appendix D.

9.2.2 Ecologically sustainable development

Transport for NSW is committed to ensuring that its projects are implemented in a manner that is consistent with the principles of sustainable development. These principles would be incorporated into the management systems for the proposal.

Appendix D summarises how the principles of ecologically sustainable development adopted by the EP&A Act have been addressed by the REF process.

A sustainability assessment of the proposal against the NSW Sustainable Design Guidelines (Transport for NSW, 2013) was undertaken as outlined in section 5.8.


9.2.3 Significance of impacts

Whilst some potentially negative impacts may result from the proposal, these impacts would be short-term and localised and are not considered to be significant. Section 8.2 of the REF summarises the mitigation measures that would be implemented to reduce the potential for impacts and manage the environmental performance of the proposal.

9.3 Conclusion

The REF identifies that the proposal would have the potential for both positive and negative impacts, and it identifies mitigation measures to reduce or manage the negative impacts.

Environmental investigations were undertaken during preparation of the REF to assess the potential environmental impacts.

There are considered to be no significant environmental issues associated with the proposal.

Any potential adverse impacts resulting from the proposal are considered manageable through the implementation of mitigation measures in section 8.2.

In conclusion, the proposal is needed so that the power supply for the rail network has sufficient capacity for future increases in the number of services and also the type of rolling stock. It is considered that the adverse environmental impacts would be generally short-term and localised in nature. With the adoption and implementation of the proposed mitigation and management measures listed in section 8.2 the potential environmental impacts of the proposal would be adequately mitigated and managed, and are not considered to be significant.


10. References British Standards (2009) Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites, BS 5228-1

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) (2006) Assessing vibration – A technical guideline

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) (2009) Interim Construction Noise Guideline

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) (2009) Waste Classification Guidelines

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) (2011) Road Noise Policy

Douglas Partners (2015a) Report on Preliminary Site Investigation, Power Supply Upgrade Program, Proposed Gosford Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut, Riou Street and Showground Road, Gosford

Douglas Partners (2015b) Report on Geotechnical Investigation, Power Supply Upgrade Program, Proposed Gosford Substation and Wyoming Sectioning Hut, Riou Street and Showground Road, Gosford

Douglas Partners (2015c) Pre-demolition hazardous building materials report, specified buildings Gosford Sydney Trains civil depot Riou Street Gosford and Glennie Street West substation Gosford

DotE (2014) EPBC Online Protected Matters Search Tool, Department of the Environment. Online resource http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

DPI (2014) Threatened and protected species records viewer, Department of Primary Industries. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection/records

DPI (2013) Policy and guidelines for fish habitat conservation and management, Department of Primary Industries http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/publications/policies,-guidelines-and-manuals/policy-and-guidelines-for-fish-habitat-conservation-and-management-update-2013

DPI (2014) Threatened and protected species records viewer, Department of Primary Industries. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection/records

Environment Protection Agency (EPA) (2000) Industrial Noise Policy

GCC (2009) Vegetation mapping and significant vegetation mapping, Gosford City Council http://gems1.gosford.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/

GHD (2014) Gosford substation and Wyoming sectioning hut REF Communications Plan, Prepared for Transport for NSW

Landcom (2004) Managing Urban Stormwater, Soils & Construction, Volume 1

National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) (2002) Native Vegetation of the Cumberland Plain. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/surveys/GetHoldOfMapsDataAndReports.htm

NSW Acid Sulfate Soil Management Advisory Committee (1998) Acid Sulfate Soil Manual

NSW Government (2014) Rebuilding NWS, State infrastructure strategy 2014

Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (2014a) Threatened Species, Population and Communities Database. Search by region http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/AreaHabitatSearch.aspx


http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/publications/policies,-guidelines-and-manuals/policy-and-guidelines-for-fish-habitat-conservation-and-management-update-2013

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/habitat/publications/policies,-guidelines-and-manuals/policy-and-guidelines-for-fish-habitat-conservation-and-management-update-2013

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/species-protection/records

http://gems1.gosford.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/surveys/GetHoldOfMapsDataAndReports.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/AreaHabitatSearch.aspx

OEH (2014b) NSW Bionet Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database, Office of Environment and Heritage NSW. http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/

Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (2014b) NSW Bionet Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database. Office of Environment and Heritage NSW. http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/

RailCorp (2012) Power Study Scope Report ER0315

Sydney Trains (2013) Sydney Trains Environmental Management System Guide Noise and Vibration from Rail Facilities

Transport for NSW (2012a) Construction Noise Strategy

Transport for NSW (2012b) Water discharge and re-use guideline

Transport for NSW (2013) NSW Sustainable Design Guidelines, Version 3.0. September 2013


http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/

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Document Status

Rev No.

Author Reviewer Approved for Issue Name Signature Name Signature Date

A K. Yale A.Raleigh & K. Smallwood

A.Raleigh 02/04/15

B K. Yale K. Smallwood A.Raleigh 01/05/15

0 K. Yale A.Raleigh A.Raleigh

15/05/2015

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