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Hamersley Agriculture Project

Environmental Referral Supporting Document

January 2011

Hamersley Iron Pty Limited

152‐158 St Georges Terrace, Perth

GPO Box A42, Perth, WA 6837

Hamersley Agriculture Project Environmental Referral Supporting Document

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 OVERVIEW 1

1.2 KEY CHARACTERISTICS 2

1.3 JUSTIFICATION 3

2 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION 4

2.1 FUTURE CONSULTATION 4

3 SURVEYS AND STUDIES OF THE PROPOSAL AREA 8

3.1 STUDIES UNDERTAKEN 8

3.2 STUDIES PROPOSED 8

4 KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL TO BE MANAGED 9

4.1 USE OF IRRIGATION WATER, NUTRIENT AND/OR CHEMICALS 9

4.2 VEGETATION CLEARING 11

4.3 INTRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE INTRODUCTION AND/OR SPREAD OF WEED SPECIES 15

4.4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT 17

5 REFERENCES 19

TABLES

Table 1‐1: Key Characteristics of the Proposal 2

Table 2‐1: Key Topics Discussed During Stakeholder Consultation 5

FIGURES

Figure 4‐1 Original Proposal Layout 13

Figure 4‐2 Revised Proposal Layout 14


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1 INTRODUCTION

Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd, a member of the Rio Tinto group, operates the Hamersley Station, which is located in the central Pilbara region, approximately 30 km east of Tom Price.

Hamersley Station proposes to increase productivity and sustainability of pastoral operations through the planting and irrigation of pasture for hay production. The Hamersley Agriculture Project (the Proposal) area is approximately 6 km to the west of Marandoo Mine and provides an opportunity to utilise surplus dewatering water from the Marandoo Mine Phase 2 (MMP2) project as a source of irrigation water. Water will be supplied via an existing pipeline from the mine, which is located southeast of the Proposal area on Hamersley Station.

1.1 OVERVIEW

The Proposal will utilise dewatering water, surplus to other MMP2 requirements, from the main MMP2 water pipeline for agriculture. The crops will be grown all year round and will be rotationally cut and baled on site. Baled crops will then be delivered to the Hamersley pastoral station for cattle stock feed with excess produce provided to other pastoral operators for stock feed.

The design and operational requirements of the Proposal are based on the following:

• water supply of approximately 60‐80 ML per day for a duration of approximately 22 years;

• three irrigated agriculture areas including a 7 ha native seed pivot and associated infrastructure with a footprint totalling approximately 1360 ha within the Proposal area of 2800 ha; and

• 3GL dam and associated infrastructure including transfer pump station and roads with a total footprint of approximately 110 ha within the Proposal area of 2800 ha.

The Proposal will be developed in a staged manner with the central agriculture area and dam constructed first, followed by the western agriculture area constructed and if required the eastern agriculture area constructed third.

The duration of the Proposal is currently estimated to be approximately 22 years, based on the life of MMP2 and supply of dewatered mine water.

The Proposal forms an important component of the integrated overall MMP2 water management strategy and directly contributes to minimising the requirement for surplus water to be discharged into the surrounding ephemeral ecosystems.


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1.2 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Key characteristics of the Proposal are identified in Table 1‐1 below and discussed below.

Table 1‐1: Key Characteristics of the Proposal

Project Characteristic Detail

Project Life • Approximately 22 years (2011 – 2033).

Total Proposal area • 2800 ha

Total Cleared Footprint

1470 ha

• 1360 ha of irrigated crops and related infrastructure

• 110 ha for Dam and related infrastructure

Uncleared vegetation / buffer areas within Proposal area

• 1330 ha

Power usage and supply • Diesel generators for office, sheds and workshops.

• Local diesel generators, one at each pivot centre.

Water usage and supply

• Irrigation water sourced from surplus water from the MMP2 main transfer pipeline.

• Approximate water usage ‐ 80 ML/day between October and March and 60 ML/day between April and September.

• Irrigation areas will use a centre pivot irrigation system. The maximum irrigation rate is expected to be approximately 13 mm/day

• 3GL water storage dam.

Fertigation system

• Fertigation sheds and associated infrastructure.

• Liquid fertilisers applied with irrigation water in low concentrations to meet the daily crop plant growth on a daily basis.

• Liquid chemicals applied with irrigation water at very low concentrations on an as needed basis.

Other facilities and infrastructure development

• Office buildings, ablutions, fuel and storage, machinery wash down area and contractors machinery shed.

• Network of roads and tracks enabling access to pivot areas and dam.

• Fencing around groups of pivots within the Proposal area to restrict the ingress of livestock.

• Inspection and wash down areas at the entries to each agriculture area and at the dam


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1.3 JUSTIFICATION

1.3.1 Consideration of Water Management Alternatives

Rio Tinto has identified the use of surplus dewatering water for agriculture as a practical option, providing a flexible robust method appropriate to the site and situation. The Proposal has the potential to be a sustainable activity which provides a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits including:

• Re‐use of a valuable water resource and reducing discharge to ephemeral creeks.

• Supplying cattle fodder for all RTIO Pastoral Stations and improving livestock quality and year round marketability.

• Drought proofing RTIO’s six pastoral operations and potentially other Pilbara pastoral operations through provision of a consistent and affordable supply of high quality cattle fodder.

• Enabling stock to be contained in a smaller area which will also facilitate the resting, restoration and rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and natural ecosystems.

• Developing business and employment opportunities for the Traditional Owners and local community.

• Developing a native species seed bank for rehabilitation projects.

1.3.2 Site Selection

The Proposal area has been selected on its capability to support the proposed land use with minimum impact and risk to the adjacent land uses and the receiving environment. The site selection process, inconsideration of key environmental factors, identified the three proposed agriculture areas with the following benefits:

• The Proposal area is 1 km downstream from Karijini National Park (KNP) and 10 km upstream of the 2 km buffer zone around the main Themeda grasslands Threatened Ecological Community (TEC).

• Irrigated areas will be located 30 m from major creek lines and the 1:100 ARI flood levels.

• The Proposal will utilise existing infrastructure such as Karijini Drive, Mount Bruce Road and the railway access road; and the proposed pipeline connecting Marandoo Mine with Tom Price and existing bores for water supply during construction.

• The majority of the Proposal areas contains natural slopes of up to 2 % (DAFWA 2010) making these sites less susceptible to soil erosion.

• The soils of the Proposal area contain low clay content which minimises the risk of runoff and erosion and the soils have a moderate to high capability of sustaining irrigated agriculture.

• The soils have a high phosphorus retention index minimising the risk to the surrounding environment from potential nutrient runoff.

• No Declared Rare Flora or Priority flora were recorded in the proposed agriculture areas.

• The areas are not in the same surface water flow path as the Southern Fortescue Borefield, which will minimise any potential environmental risks to groundwater sources.

Each potential pivot location will be finalised prior to commencement of construction and the total area of clearing will not exceed 1470 ha.


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2 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

Key stakeholders were identified through the Rio Tinto’s ongoing experience at Marandoo and other projects in the region, as well as through discussions with the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority. Those consulted during the preparation of this environmental referral include:

Government Agencies

• Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA)

• DEC – Pilbara regional office (Karratha) and Perth office

• Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA)

• Department of Water (DoW) – Pilbara regional office and Perth office

• Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA)

• Department of Regional Development and Lands (DRDL)

• Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)

• Shire of Ashburton

Non‐government Organisations

• Conservation Commission

Community

• Eastern Guruma members and the community

The timing of the consultation program has enabled the topics raised to be taken into account during project design, determination of management measures and preparation of this referral. Key stakeholders were also provided with a copy of the application for a Diversification Permit in 2010, following submission to DRDL.

The main issues raised by stakeholders related to potential impacts to the Karijini National Park, visual amenity and weed control (Table 2‐1). RTIO considers that the topics raised by stakeholders have been addressed in design of the Proposal.

2.1 FUTURE CONSULTATION

RTIO will continue with this consultation program during the approvals process and detailed project design. RTIO will consult with the Conservation Council and Western Australian Wildflower Society prior to submission of the API Document.


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Table 2‐1: Key Topics Discussed During Stakeholder Consultation

Stakeholder Topics Raised Proponent Response

The DEC raised concern over proximity of the eastern agriculture area to the Karijini National Park and visual amenity from Mt Bruce.

The location, layout and project areas have been modified.

- the eastern agriculture area has been reduced from 650 ha to 321 ha; and

- the distance from Karijini Drive increased from 100m to 1.5 km.

Spread of weeds is a concern; native seed production would be encouraged. More information is required on Rhodes Grass and species selection. Concern on Rhodes Grass propagating beyond the Proposal area, as it has previously occurred in WA.

RTIO has investigated the use of native seed for production. The Project will grow Chloris gayana and Avena sativa due to their production potential, low environmental weed risk and their suitability to grow under the prevailing conditions. C. gayana is particularly suited to fertile soils and has been recorded to decline under adverse environmental conditions, especially when soil fertility and water supply are not maintained.

C. gayana and A. sativa require minimal cultivation, minimal sowing for re‐establishment, are known to only survive under the irrigated and fertilised conditions and have a low environmental risk.

Therefore these species are the preferred species for agriculture in the Pilbara.

EPA referral required prior to Diversification Permit being granted. This Proposal is being referred to the OEPA for determination of formal assessment under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.

DEC has not reviewed the Nutrient MP or the Weed MP The Nutrient and Irrigation Management Plan (NIMP) and Weed Management Plan (WMP) will be provided to the EPA upon request and appended to the API Document on submission.

Management and ownership –. concerns raised that RTIO may sell or hand on to a 3rd party and that the Proposal will not be managed appropriately by the 3rd party

The Proposal will be owned and managed by Hamersley Iron and Pilbara Iron respectively, both subsidiaries of RTIO.

DEC

Proximity to KNP – site selection should be detailed. Consider change to ecosystem. Drainage lines from pivot into 2015 area.

Species and Weed mgmt – Rhodes grass on DEC amber list (since Feb 2010). Concern of Rhodes Grass escape and spread. Concern of spread into creeks and the proposed 2015 hand back area.

The layout of the Proposal has included a 30 m buffer from the 1:100 year ARI flood level and increased the distance from Karijini Drive from 100m to 1.5 km in order to minimise potential impacts to visual amenity.

C. gayana and A. sativa are known to only survive under irrigated and fertilised conditions in the Pilbara and are therefore considered to have a low environmental risk. However in order to further minimise the spread of these species and control the introduction and/or spread of other weeds species RTIO has deigned the Proposal with a 10m buffer around all agriculture area in which spot spraying will be regularly conducted.


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Eastern agriculture area – main concern is impact to visual amenity and DEC considers this area to be in excellent condition. DEC has requested RTIO to investigate an agriculture area west of Southern Fortescue Borefield (SFB) to potentially develop in stead of developing the proposed eastern agriculture area.

The overall footprint of the eastern agriculture area has been significantly reduced from 650 ha to 321 ha in order to minimise the impact to visual amenity and vegetation in the area (see Figure 4‐1 and Figure 4‐2). The conceptual layout of the Proposal has also been modified to relocate infrastructure further away from Karijini Drive (1.5 km), as well as providing for the burial of the pipeline in the eastern agriculture area.

The Proposal will have a staged implementation and construction of the Proposal will occur in the following order:

1. central agriculture area and storage dam;

2. western agriculture area; and

3. eastern agriculture area developed only if required – based on system capacity and surplus water discharge demands form MMP2 dewatering.

DEC concerns have been noted and investigations will be carried out in the SFB area in parallel with the assessment of this Proposal.

RTIO have also consulted with the Conservation Commission and the OEPA regarding this area and will continue consultation with other relevant DMA’s in parallel with assessment of this Proposal.

Some of the current constraints regarding the SFB area include:

- The area currently lies within proposed 2015 land relinquishment agreement between RTIO and DEC/Conservation Commission for Karijini National Park.

- The area lies within a drinking water catchment area.

- The area requires heritage and biological surveys and therefore the impact could not be included in this Proposal.

Following these investigations and detailed feasibility studies, if the SFB area is found to be available and suitable for agriculture, RTIO will, following consultation and relevant approval, develop the SFB area as an alternative to the proposed eastern agriculture area.


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DoW

Supports the Proposal as DoW considers that the Proposal aligns with the DoW strategy and re‐use of water.

Discussed the integrated Water Management Strategy and minimal water wastage.

Noted.

An effective and efficient surplus water management solution is important for RTIO’s Pilbara operations in order to meet the objectives of the RTIO water management strategy. Key objectives of the strategy include:

- continuously improve water performance and water efficiency;

- prevent or otherwise minimise adverse impacts on water quality and quantity;

- understand the social, environmental and economic importance of water;

- identify and acknowledge cultural and community significance associated with water; and

- engage with water users and managers to encourage the responsible management of water.

DRDL

Valuable project for pastoral operations and Pilbara region. A rehabilitation condition should be attached to approval of the Proposal

Discussed advantages of agriculture crop in assisting with the ailing beef industry and its potential to bring new pastoral industry to the area.

Noted

RTIO commits to full rehabilitation of the Proposal area. Areas will be progressively rehabilitated as they are no longer required.

Eastern Guruma

Eastern Guruma expressed support for the Proposal and future employment opportunities resulting from the Proposal.

Noted

Shire of Ashburton

Exciting and diverse opportunity.

Needed for the region

Innovative approach to the use of excess water within the Shire.

Noted

DAFWA General support for project as an efficient use of water and value adding to pastoral operations

Noted


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3 SURVEYS AND STUDIES OF THE PROPOSAL AREA

3.1 STUDIES UNDERTAKEN

Extensive fauna, flora and vegetation sampling and survey work has been undertaken in the Marandoo mining lease and surrounding areas since the 1970s1.

Specific studies undertaken to investigate the existing environment and potential impacts of this Proposal include:

• Vegetation and flora surveys and studies to assess potential impacts to the conservation status of species known, or likely to occur in and around the Proposal area (Biota 2010a).

• Vegetation and flora desktop review of the proposed dam area (Biota 2010b).

• Terrestrial fauna (including Short‐Range Endemic (SRE) invertebrates) surveys and studies to assess potential impacts to the conservation status of species known or likely to occur in and around the Proposal area (Biota 2010c).

• Hydrological modelling and studies to investigate possible impacts to the modification of surface flows (Beckett 2010).

• Landscape and visual amenity photomontage to assess potential impacts of the Proposal area (SKM 2011).

• Soil assessment of potential irrigation areas to test capability to sustain agriculture (DAFWA 2010).

• Ethnographic and archaeological surveys to determine the possible impact to Aboriginal heritage sites (Scarp Archaeology 2010 & Ethnosciences 2010).

• Investigation of the invasiveness of the C. gayana on Kilto & Wooramel Stations in WA (Hurter and Naaykens 2010).

The biological studies are all provided in electronic form in the attached CD at the end of this document.

3.2 STUDIES PROPOSED

Further studies to investigate the existing environment and potential impacts of the Proposal include:

• Second phase of biological surveys are scheduled for May 2011 following the wet season.

1 (Trudgen 1975, 1977a, 1977b, 1978; Weston 1977: CRA services Ltd 1982; Ninox 1992; Mattiske 1992, 2008; Biota 2008a, 2008b, 2008c, 2008d, 2008e, 2008f, 2008g, 2008h)


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4 KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL TO BE MANAGED

4.1 USE OF IRRIGATION WATER, NUTRIENT AND/OR CHEMICALS

IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The Proposal will use a centre pivot irrigation system to deliver water to the irrigation areas; this will ensure that water is applied in the most efficient manner. The system enables; precise water and nutrient application, limited wind affects on application, more efficient application of irrigation water and operation at low pressures to minimise energy costs.

The irrigation volume will be calculated according to optimum plant requirements, evaporation and transpiration rates, and soil moisture content for each individual pivot. The irrigation schedule will be assessed and adjusted daily, based on crop water usage, soil moisture status, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH. The aim of this system is to optimise plant uptake and minimise waste or losses to the environment by:

• Determining irrigation volume on the crop needs whilst factoring in daily evaporation, crop type, and crop condition and soil moisture.

• Continual monitoring of soil moisture in the top 50 cm of the soil profile with real time data posted on‐line and reviewed by an irrigation specialist.

• Measuring pasture production.

• Using a sophisticated irrigation program (FieldbossTM) for precision application, programmed according to temperature, rainfall, evaporation and plant needs.

• Weekly field inspections and monitoring.

The Bureau of Meteorology and mine weather sites will be used to determine the next day’s irrigation requirements in conjunction with the growth stage of the pasture crops. The application rate will be calculated so to not exceed the evaporation rate or the hydraulic conductivity (soil infiltration rates) of the soils, therefore run‐off is unlikely to occur as a result of irrigation. Irrigation application will also cease prior to and during forecast rainfall events and if soils have reached field capacity, to minimise the water and nutrient loss associated with wind blown spray, deep drainage (groundwater recharge) and surface run‐off.

The irrigation system will be designed to provide flexibility during operation by adjusting water use to water availability and therefore the Proposal will also include a 3GL temporary storage dam. The dam will provide temporary storage of water during the winter months and a feed for the agriculture areas in the summer months, when water demand is higher. The dam has been sized to take into account average rainfall, regional evaporation rates and run off.

FERTIGATION SYSTEM

Nutrients will be applied to the irrigation water on a daily basis via an Advanced Fertigation System (AFS). The AFS has been specifically developed according to plant growth requirements, soil types, water quality, natural resource protection and risk management, thereby avoiding build up of nutrients in the soil. . Fertilisers will be formulated off site and supplied in a concentrated liquid form. The concentrated nutrient solution will be introduced into the irrigation water in a controlled way to ensure calculated volumes are injected. This system will use the natural background concentration of nutrients in the supplied water to determine the additional nutrients necessary to optimize plant uptake. The proposed nutrient solution will


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be electro‐chemically balanced solution with all the essential elements required by the plants (Global Groundwater 2010a).

Fertigation will be based on a two tiered system; a basal rate that contains the minimum requirements delivered to the entire system, and additional requirements and additives specific to the crop growth phase delivered to each pivot. Nutrients will be applied daily for one day’s growth minimising the risk of over‐application and nutrient build up or loss to the environment. The nutritional solution will also be maintained at a constant pH to optimize the availability of elements for maximum plant uptake. The nutrients applied will be updated regularly according to the irrigation rate, water analysis, soil analysis, plant requirements, production levels, nutritional exports and nutrient recycling. This will be calculated to optimise production, and to ensure that all nutrients will be consumed in‐situ, therefore minimising the risk to surface water during events when runoff may occur (Bellows 2001).

CHEMIGATION

It is anticipated that herbicides and pesticides may sporadically be required for the control of weeds and pests in the irrigation areas. Only chemicals approved for use within Australia will be used, in accordance with their registered use with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The risk of environmental loss is considered to be negligible provided they are applied in accordance with their registered use. The use of control chemicals will be consistent with the Code of Practice for the use of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (APVMA 2008) and within the specifications of the respective Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), ensuring safe use and preventing the risk of detrimental environmental impacts.

No herbicides or pesticides have been used on the C. gayana pivots on Kilto station, while Wooramel has only had to use pesticides on one occasion. Given the lack of pesticide or herbicide used on these stations, it is anticipated that chemical use within the Proposal area will be minimal and therefore unlikely to impact surface water quality.

If required, pesticides and herbicides will be applied through the irrigation system via measured controllers. Chemicals will be applied in very low concentration within vegetable oil droplets to prevent infiltration. Chemicals will not be applied prior to or during rainfall events, to water bodies or drainage lines and when the soils are at field capacity. This eliminates these loss pathways; and hence runoff and leaching of chemicals are unlikely to occur.

4.1.1 Proposed Mitigation and Management Measures

RTIO has developed a Nutrient and Irrigation Management Plan (NIMP) as part of the Project Environmental Programme (EMP). The NIMP includes the following key measures to manage irrigation water, nutrient and/or chemicals:

• Agriculture areas will not be located in high energy creek channels or drainage lines and will be design to be above the 1:100 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) flood levels with an additional native vegetation buffer zone of 30 m from the 1:100‐year ARI levels.

• Buffers of native vegetation will be retained around the production areas to prevent erosion from occurring and act as filtration systems. Buffer areas will be a minimum of 60 m from Mount Bruce road, 1.5 km from Karijini Drive and 30 m from all other areas.

• Groundcover of 85% or more will be maintained to minimise surface water runoff and the potential for erosion.


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• Irrigation and fertigation will be scheduled based on soil moisture levels, soil nutrient status, plant requirements, weather conditions, evaporation and transpiration rates, and will not exceed infiltration rates.

• Dilute fertiliser will be applied through the irrigation system on a regular basis rather to minimise the potential for nutrient runoff.

• Irrigation, fertigation and chemigation will be ceased prior to and during forecast high rainfall events and when soils have reached field capacity.

• Plant production will be assessed on a quarterly basis through pasture cuts and leaf tissue analysis to measure the efficiency of applied nutrients and whether any deficiencies or toxicities are occurring.

• Fertilisers will be formulated off site and transported to the site in approved shuttles to provide safe handling, therefore minimising health, safety and environmental risks.

• All pesticides and herbicides will be applied in accordance with application requirements and will be pre‐mixed off site. All hazardous materials required to be used on the site will be transported and stored in accordance with the Explosive and Dangerous Goods Act 1961, HI policy and relevant requirements as outlined in the MSDS’s. A purpose‐built facility for the storage of hazardous materials will be built and all such materials will be stored in accordance with their registration requirements and AS 2507‐1998: The Storage and Handling of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals.

The NIMP will be provided for full assessment with the API document. However, it will be provided to the OEPA, upon request, on receipt of the Proposal referral.

4.2 VEGETATION CLEARING

VEGETATION AND FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

The Proposal has been designed to minimise the clearing of vegetation to that required to meet infrastructure and requirements for safe and efficient agriculture operations. The exact location of the individual elements of the Proposal (e.g. pivots, tracks, storage areas and other infrastructure) will be finalised as part of final design. However the clearing of vegetation will be limited to 1470 ha, within the Proposal area (2800 ha).

An area of uncleared vegetation within the Proposal area will be retained as a buffer area for visual amenity, nutrient and weed management and wildlife corridors. These areas will also act as valuable seed banks of local provenance vegetation that will be useful for future rehabilitation projects in the vicinity and within the Proposal area.

All vegetation units described in the Proposal area are typical of this area of the Hamersley subregion and therefore are likely to be widely distributed and relatively well represented in the locality (Biota 2010a). No PEC or TEC were recorded within the Proposal area and the area was not found to contain any feature of high diversity (Biota 2010a). It is therefore unlikely that the Proposal will significantly affect vegetation units within the area.

Vegetation within the Proposal area is also common to the Hamersley subregion. The subregion has 14.10% of its area classified as either National Park or Conservation Park (Kendrick 2001). Specifically, Karijini National Park (Karijini) (located 1.2 km from the Proposal area) and the eastern half of the Cane River Conservation Park. It is therefore considered that the vegetation units located in the Proposal area are well conserved within the subregion.


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No DRF or Priority flora have been recorded within the Proposal area, however suitable habitat for 10 priority species is present within the area. Given the widespread nature of these habitats in the locality, it is highly unlikely that the Proposal would inhibit the continued existence of Priority flora in the locality (Biota 2010a).

Following consultation with DEC, the eastern agriculture area has been modified to avoid and minimise impact to the biodiversity in this area. Figure 4‐1 and Figure 4‐2 illustrate the differences between the original scenario and the scenario provided for this Referral. Significant changes to the eastern agriculture area include:

• Reducing the irrigated agriculture area from 650 ha to 321 ha to conserve vegetation of Very Good condition and to provide a greater buffer area between the agriculture area and Karijini Drive.

• Burying the pipeline in the eastern agriculture area and progressively rehabilitating the area.

• Locating a native plant pivot at the south eastern end of the agriculture area.

FAUNA SPECIES OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

Two fauna species of conservation significance were recorded in the area surveyed by Biota (2010c), while a further 17 may potentially occur based on habitat preferences. The Proposal layout has been designed to avoid key habitats (ephemeral rivers and rocky outcrops) therefore it is considered that the Proposal will not significantly affect fauna species of conservation significance.

Terrestrial fauna species that have been recorded, or were identified from database searches as potentially occurring in the Proposal area are considered either unlikely to inhabit the Proposal area due to a lack of suitable habitat, or unlikely to exclusively utilise the area to the extent that they would be significantly affected by the Proposal (Biota 2010c). Thus, clearing of vegetation is considered unlikely to affect the conservation status of any fauna species of elevated conservation significance (Biota 2010c).

Vegetation clearing will also be staged so that areas are cleared only as required to minimise the area of exposed surfaces at any one time and to allow native animals the chance to move on. Furthermore, the Proposal area will be progressively rehabilitated, where practicable, as areas are no longer required.


RTIO has developed a Project EMP which includes the following key measures:

• ensuring clearing is limited to that approved and kept within the Proposal area;

• clearing of vegetation will be staged so that areas are cleared only as required to minimise the area of exposed surfaces at any one time and to allow native animals the chance to move on;

• progressive rehabilitation will be undertaken of disturbed areas where practicable;

• the Proposal will include a minimum buffer of 60 m from Mount Bruce road and 1.5 km buffer from Karijini Drive;

• permanent monitoring sites within the buffer areas will be established to ensure vegetation and thus fauna habitat is not being adversely affected;

• the Proposal area will be fenced to prevent entry by livestock and restrict wildlife movement around the Proposal area, including cattle proof fencing around the dam infrastructure; and

• a feral animal trapping program will be maintained within the Proposal area.

The EMP will be provided for full assessment as an attachment to the API document.

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Karijini National Park




Drawn: TPDate: Jan 2011

Plan No. PDE0080238v1Proj: MGA94-50

SCALE 1:100 000 @ A4

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BHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandiBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO YandBHPIO Yand

Eastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE t RE REastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE t RE REastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE t RE REastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE REastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE t RE REastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE t RE REastern RangeEastern RangeEastern RangeE t RE t RE t RE RE t R

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NammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiNammuldiMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandooMarandoo

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Western Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner Syncline

LOCATION MAP

LEGEND

Figure 4-1:Original Proposal

Layout

Resource Strategy & Planning - Perth

Railway

Marandoo Project Area

Road

Indicative irrigated areas

Laydown areas

Dewatering pipeline

Proposed above ground pipes

Proposed Roads/Tracks

( Administration buildings

Creek

0 1 2 3 4 5km

Proposal area

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7,500,000 mN

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CentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgriculture


Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western Western AgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgricultureAgriculture


Storage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage DamStorage Dam

Karijini Drive


Karijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National Park


Karijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National ParkKarijini National Park

Drawn: TPDate: Jan 2011

Plan No. PDE0080238v1Proj: MGA94-50

SCALE 1:100 000 @ A4

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+

MACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannar






Mount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom Price MACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACMACChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannarChannar






Mount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceMount Tom PriceWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest AngelasWest Angelas

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Western Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner SynclineWestern Turner Syncline

Cape LambertDampier

Port HedlandLOCATION MAP

LEGEND

Figure 4-2:Revised Proposal Area

Resource Strategy & Planning - Perth

Railway

Marandoo Project Area

Road

Indicative irrigated areas

Laydown areas

Dewatering pipeline

Proposed buried pipes

Proposed Roads/Tracks

( Administration buildings

Creek

0 1 2 3 4 5km

Proposal area

50ha 38ha 28ha

Proposed above ground pipes

Hamersley Agriculture Project Environmental Referral Supporting Document _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15

4.3 INTRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE INTRODUCTION AND/OR SPREAD OF WEED SPECIES

The agriculture area will grow a combination of introduced perennial and annual crops and will be managed to retain greater than 85% groundcover. The operation will grow the preferred species, perennial Rhodes grass (Chloris gayna) in combination with annual Forage oats (Avana sativa). These species were selected due to their production potential, low environmental risk and their suitability to grow under the prevailing conditions. C. gayna is particularly suited to very fertile clay soil and has been recorded to decline under adverse environmental conditions, especially when soil fertility and water supply is not maintained. Due to the perennial nature of this species it is also unlikely to need reseeding after harvesting thus minimising the risk of weed invasion. Targeted seeding may occur in small areas if necessary.

According to the Non‐Indigenous Plant Species Lists for Western Australia’s Rangelands (DRDL 2010), A. sativa is a Permitted Species (Green List) and is therefore considered to be the lowest risk to the environment and should be suitable for most circumstances. C. gayana is neither a Permitted nor Non‐Permitted species and therefore may present a potential risk in some circumstances (DRDL 2010). However, both species are permitted plants species in Western Australia and have a Low rating according to the DEC Environmental Weed Strategy (DAFWA 2010; DEC 1999).

A detailed weed risk assessment of C. gayana was undertaken for the Proposal area by Global Groundwater in 2010 (Global Groundwater 2010b). The results of the assessment found C. gayana to be low risk in the Pilbara based on its inability to spread by seed and its requirements for highly fertile soil. Past experience in the Pilbara has also demonstrated that this species does not survive or propagate outside of the supply of water and nutrients received by an irrigation system. An Environmental Weed Risk Assessment was also undertaken of C. gayana by the Future Farm Industries CRC which indicated that the species is unlikely to persist in natural conditions without disturbance or highly fertile soils (FFICRC 2009a). The weed risk assessment found C. gayana to have a medium weed risk in Western Australia (FFICRC 2009b).

Currently C. gayana is grown using a pivot irrigation system on Kilto and Wooramel Stations in Western Australia. Kilto station is located 50 km east‐northeast of Broome and has been growing C. gayana for approximately nine years. Wooramel station is located 70 km south of Carnarvon and has been growing the species for two years. A survey of these stations was undertaken in October 2010 to determine the invasiveness and spread of C. gayana (Hurter & Naaykens 2010). Results of this survey found that C. gayana did not survive outside the direct influence of the irrigation/cultivation (Hurter & Naaykens 2010). At both stations at least two factors were simultaneously required in order for C. gayana to establish and survive: mechanical disturbance and a ready source of water (Hurter & Naaykens 2010). It is therefore considered unlikely that C. gayana will survive outside of the Proposal area. In addition, weed management and monitoring measures will be implemented in the Proposal area and surrounding environment to minimise the risk of weed invasion and spread.

Further studies undertaken on C. gayana suggest that this species propagates mainly by stolons (up to 3 m per year); and that recruitment by seed is uncommon (FFICRC 2010). This limits the spread of the plant by wind and water. In the unlikely event that escape occurs, a 10 m perimeter will be established around each pivot to account for the stolon rate of spread. This area will also act as a firebreak between the agriculture areas and the native vegetation. The 10 m buffer will be inspected quarterly to monitor and control the presence of C. gayana and the spread or introduction of other weed species if required. In addition, harvesting of the crop will be scheduled to occur prior to the main heading and seeding period to further reduce the risk of weed invasion

Uncleared areas surrounding the Proposal area, around each pivot and the dam, along drainage lines and roads will be retained as native vegetation buffer zones. Monitoring sites within these areas, and the surrounding environment, will be established to determine the potential introduction or spread of weeds in


Page 16

and out of the Proposal areas. It is therefore unlikely that the Proposal will introduce and/or cause the spread of weeds into the surrounding environment and thus unlikely lead to the deterioration of the health of surrounding vegetation/habitats.


RTIO has developed a Weed Management Plan (WMP) as part of the Project EMP which includes the following key measures:

• agriculture areas and infrastructure will be designed with a 30 m buffer from the 1:100 ARI flood levels;

• the Proposal will include a minimum buffer of 60 m from Mount Bruce road and 1.5 km from Karijini Drive;

• permanent monitoring sites within the buffer areas, and surrounding environment, will be established to ensure vegetation and thus fauna habitat is not being adversely affected;

• the following weed hygiene procedures will be applied to all vehicles and personnel entering the Proposal area:

- All machinery will be purchased new by RTIO or will be under long term contracts such that they will not leave the site, thus limiting potential transfer of weeds in and out of Proposal area.

- Wash down and inspection areas will be located at the entry to each agriculture area and dam and all vehicles will be inspected upon entering and leaving the site to prevent the spread or introduction of weeds.

• the following key weed control measures will be applied:

- All personnel will be trained in awareness of weed occurrences and control measures within the Proposal area.

- A 10 m buffer area around each pivot will be inspected quarterly with a spot spray eradication program of weeds being undertaken if found necessary.

- Harvesting will occur prior to the main seeding period.

• RTIO will liaise with and provide assistance to the DEC and other Karijini National Park management bodies with regard to weed management practices.

The WMP will be provided for full assessment with the API document. However, it will be provided to the OEPA, upon request, on receipt of the Proposal referral.


Page 17

4.4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

The Proposal will introduce an environment of green agriculture areas, irrigation pivots and associated infrastructure which will create an un‐natural man‐made element in the landscape. The extent to which the Proposal will impact the landscape is reduced by the limited height of the agriculture pivots and infrastructure. The layout will not significantly differ from the existing natural landforms as the Proposal has been designed and located to be largely obscured by the surrounding vegetation / landscape.

In consultation with DEC the Proposal area has been modified to minimise the impact to the visual amenity from the Proposal. Significant changes to the Proposal include:

• Reducing the size of the eastern agriculture irrigated areas from 650 ha to 321 ha to increase the distance between the eastern agriculture area and Karijini Drive / Karijini National Park.

• Burying the pipeline in the eastern agriculture area.

• Locating a native plant pivot at the south eastern end of the eastern agriculture area.

• Relocating the laydown area and associated infrastructure to the northern section of the eastern agriculture area.

• Increasing the buffer to Mt Bruce Road from 40m to 60 m and the buffer from Karijini Drive from 100 m to 1.5 km.

• Locating the proposed dam behind a ridge line limiting the view from the north. The dam embankment is expected to reach a maximum height of 12 m however the location of the dam behind a ridge line will minimise the visual impact by obscuring the view from Karijini Drive.

• Buildings within the Proposal area will not extend above the level of adjacent hills and will be designed to be a maximum of 4 m high.

In addition the existing mine and camp site is already visible from the adjacent to Karijini National Park, including at the lowest public viewpoint, the summit and along the walking track to the summit and intermittently visible to people driving along Karijini Road. The Proposal will therefore result in additional modification of an already highly modified landscape.


Existing visual amenity values within, and surrounding the Proposal area will be maintained as far as practicable through the implementation of the following measures, as addressed in the Project EMP:

• progressively rehabilitation of all disturbed areas, where practicable, with the aim of achieving safe, stable and self‐sustaining landforms;

• rehabilitation of agriculture areas will utilise local provenance species in order to match local relative plant densities in rehabilitation areas;

• unnecessary clearing of vegetation will be prevented;

• infrastructure will be located in, or near previously disturbed areas where possible;

• pipeline infrastructure within the eastern agriculture areas will be buried where possible;


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• informational signage about the Proposal will be erected at the Mount Bruce car park lookout, in consultation with the DEC and Park Rangers, to inform the public about the Proposal; and

• all staff and contractors will be educated on appropriate, low‐impact behaviour within Karijini National Park.

Hamersley Agriculture Project Environmental Referral Document _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5 REFERENCES

Biota Environmental Services (Biota) 2008a, Residue Storage Facility Option 2 – Marandoo Mine Phase 2, Letter to Una Phelan, Rio Tinto, 12 March 2008

Biota Environmental Services (Biota) 2008b, Marandoo Mine Phase 2 Project Vegetation and Flora Survey, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, June 2008

Biota Environmental Services (Biota) 2008c, Dewatering Pipeline (Marandoo Mine to South Fortescue Borefield) and South Fortescue Borefield. Letter to Kerrie Gorman, Strategen, 3 June 2008

Biota Environmental Services (Biota) 2008d. Marandoo Mine Phase 2 Seasonal Fauna Survey, unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron, April 2008

Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2008e, A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Rio Tinto Rail Duplication – Bellbird Siding to Juna Downs, unpublished Marandoo construction camp surveys

Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2008f – Rio Tinto Rail Duplication Bellbird to Juna downs flora, unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron, July 2008

Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2008g, Marandoo Mine Phase 2 Seasonal Fauna Survey, unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron, April 2008.

Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2008h – Rio Tinto Rail Duplication Fauna Assessment: Bellbird Siding to Juna downs, unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron, July 2008

Biota, 2010a, Hamersley Agriculture– Vegetation and Flora Survey Report, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, October 2010.

Biota, 2010b Hamersley Agricultural Dam and Alternate Pivot Areas Desktop Review, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, October 2010.

Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) 2010c, Hamersley Agriculture Project – Fauna Survey Report, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, October 2010.

Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) 2010, Draft Soil Assessment of Potential Irrigation Areas, Marandoo Irrigation Project (unpublished).

Department of Environment and Conservation 2002 Environmental Weed List

Department of Regional Development and Lands (DRDL), 2010, FACT SHEET: Non indigenous plant species lists for Western Australia’s rangelands – Permitted (Green list) and Not Permitted (Red list), Government of Western Australia, Perth, February 2010.

Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FFICRC) 2009a, Environmental Weed Risk Assessment ‐ Chloris gayana (Rhodes Grass), http://www.futurefarmonline.com.au/about/weedrisk.htm, accessed 14 January 2010.

Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FFICRC) 2009b, Environmental Weed Risk Assessment Score ‐ Chloris gayana (Rhodes Grass), http://www.futurefarmonline.com.au/about/weedrisk.htm, accessed 14 January 2010.

Hamersley Agriculture Project Environmental Referral Document _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Global Groundwater 2010a, Hamersley Agriculture Project ‐ Nutrient and Irrigation Management Plan, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, November 2010.

Global Groundwater 2010b, Hamersley Agriculture Project ‐ Weed Management Plan, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, November 2010.

Hurter, J. & Naaykens, J. 2010, Report on the suspected invasiveness of the grass Chloris gayana on Kilto & Wooramel Stations in WA, unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore, December 2010

Melland, A., Smith, and Weller, R., 2007, Farm Nutrient Loss Index User Manual, Department of Primary Industries, Victoria.

Mundy, G.N., Nexhip, K.J., Austin, N.R. and Collins, M.D., 2003, The influence of cutting and grazing on phosphorus and nitrogen in irrigation runoff from perennial pasture, Australian Journal of Soil Research 41, 675‐685.

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) 2011, Hamersley Agriculture Project Photomontages – Scenario 14, , photomontages prepared for Pilbara Iron, January 2011.

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