APPLICATION ON NOTIFICATION – CATEGORY 3 Applicant: Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd Development Number: 373/L002/17 Nature of Development: Construction of a 45MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with supporting infrastructure, including associated inverters and transformers, operations and maintenance building, battery storage area, security fencing and internal access tracks and carparking Type of development: Merit - Category 3 Zone / Policy Area: Primary Production Zone Subject Land: Wokurna Road and Hewitt Road, Wokurna Contact Officer: Simon Neldner Phone Number: 7109 7058 Start Date: 18 January 2018 Close Date: 1 February 2018 During the notification period, hard copies of the application documentation can be viewed at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Level 5, 50 Flinders St, Adelaide, during normal business hours. Application documentation may also be viewed during normal business hours at the local Council office (if identified on the public notice). Written representations must be received by the close date (indicated above) and can either be posted, hand-delivered or emailed to the State Commission Assessment Panel. Any representations received after the close date will not be considered. Postal Address: The Secretary State Commission Assessment Panel GPO Box 1815 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Street Address: Development Division Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Level 5, 50 Flinders St ADELAIDE SA 5000 Email Address: [email protected]
Transcript
APPLICATION ON NOTIFICATION – CATEGORY 3
Applicant: Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd
Development Number: 373/L002/17
Nature of Development: Construction of a 45MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm
with supporting infrastructure, including associated
PN239521x2 (63mm)Adelaide Advertiser, Northern Argus17 January 2018
DEVELOPMENT ACT 1993CATEGORY 3 PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CONSENT TO DEVELOPMENT
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made by Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd for consent to establish a 45MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with supporting infrastructure, including associated inverters and transformers, operations and maintenance building, battery storage area, security fencing and internal access tracks and carparking. The project is known as the Snowtown North Solar Farm. Development Number: 373/L002/17.
The subject land is situated at Wokurna Road and Hewitt Road, Wokurna being Piece 60, DP74588 (CT 6118/647) and Section 250, HP210100 (Barunga)(CT 6118/648). The solar farm development will also connect to an existing substation located on an adjoining allotment (a61, DP74588 (CT 5990/693).
The development site is located within the Primary Production Zone of the Wakefield Regional Council Development Plan (Consolidated 9 February 2017).
The application may be examined during normal office hours at the office of the State Commision Assessment Panel, Level 5, 50 Flinders Street, Adelaide and at the office of Wakefield Regional Council, Scotland Place, Balaklava. Application documentation may also be viewed on the SCAP website: https://www.saplanningcommission.sa.gov.au/scap/public_notices
Any person or body who desires to do so may make representations concerning the application by notice in writing delivered to the Secretary, State Commission Assessment Panel, GPO Box 1815, Adelaide 5001 NOT LATER THAN 1 February 2018. Submissions may also be emailed to: [email protected]
Each person or body making a representation should state the reason for the representation and whether that person or body wishes to be given the opportunity to appear before the Commission to further explain the representation.
Submissions may be made available for public inspection.
Should you wish to discuss the application and the public notification procedure please contact Simon Neldner on (08) 7109 7058 or [email protected]
Alison Gill SECRETARY STATE COMMISSION ASSESSMENT PANEL [email protected]
South Australian DEVELOPMENT ACT, 1993
REPRESENTATION ON APPLICATION – CATEGORY 3
Applicant: Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd
Development Number: 373/L002/17
Nature of Development: Construction of a 45MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with supporting infrastructure, including associated inverters and transformers, operations and maintenance building, battery storage area, security fencing and internal access tracks and carparking
Type of development: Merit - Category 3
Zone / Policy Area: Primary Production Zone
Subject Land: Wokurna Road and Hewitt Road, Wokurna
Contact Officer: Simon Neldner
Phone Number: 7109 7058
Close Date: 1 February 2018 My name:_________________________________________________________________________________________________
My phone number: _________________________________________________________________________________________
PRIMARY METHOD(s) OF CONTACT: Email address: ____________________________________________________________
Postal address: ____________________________________________________________
You will be contacted via your nominated PRIMARY METHOD(s) OF CONTACT if you indicate below that you wish to be heard in support of your submission. My interests are: owner of local property
occupier of local property
a representative of a company/other organisation affected by the proposal
a private citizen
The address of the property affected is ___________________________________________________ Postcode ______________ The specific aspects of the application to which I make comment on are:
Construction & operation of a 45 MW solar facility
JeremyEllis
Typewritten Text
Jeremy Ellis
JeremyEllis
Line
JeremyEllis
Line
The Registrar-General certifies that this Title Register Search displays the recordsmaintained in the Register Book and other notations at the time of searching.
Certificate of Title - Volume 6118 Folio 647Parent Title(s) CT 6024/317
Creating Dealing(s) TG 11989295, TG 11989296
Title Issued 13/09/2013 Edition 1 Edition Issued 13/09/2013
Estate TypeFEE SIMPLE
Registered ProprietorMICHAEL STUART JAMIESONREBECCA JANE JAMIESON
OF PO BOX 21 BLYTH SA 5462AS JOINT TENANTS
Description of LandALLOTMENT COMPRISING PIECES 60, 62 AND 63 DEPOSITED PLAN 74588IN THE AREA NAMED WOKURNAHUNDRED OF BARUNGA
EasementsSUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED D ON FP 57308 TO THE MINISTER FORINFRASTRUCTURE (T 2024644)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED C ON FP 57308 (TG 10847718)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED AA ON FP 57308 (TG 10918775)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED J ON FP 57308 (TG 11989295)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED H ON FP 57308 (TG 11989296)
Schedule of DealingsDealing Number Description
11573558 MORTGAGE TO NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LTD.
11989297 LEASE TO SNOWTOWN WIND FARM PTY. LTD. COMMENCING ON 31/1/2013 ANDEXPIRING ON 29/1/2018 OF PORTION (DC 58 IN FP 57383)
12627278 MORTGAGE OF LEASE 11989297 TO NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LTD. (ACN: 004 044 937)
The Registrar-General certifies that this Title Register Search displays the recordsmaintained in the Register Book and other notations at the time of searching.
Certificate of Title - Volume 6118 Folio 648Parent Title(s) CT 6012/833
Creating Dealing(s) TG 11989296
Title Issued 13/09/2013 Edition 1 Edition Issued 13/09/2013
Estate TypeFEE SIMPLE
Registered ProprietorMICHAEL STUART JAMIESONREBECCA JANE JAMIESON
OF PO BOX 21 BLYTH SA 5462AS JOINT TENANTS
Description of LandSECTION 250HUNDRED OF BARUNGAIN THE AREA NAMED WOKURNA
EasementsSUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED D ON FP 57308 TO THE MINISTER FORINFRASTRUCTURE (T 2024644)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED C ON FP 57308 (TG 10847718)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED H ON FP 57308 (TG 11989296)
This declaration is only relevant to those development applications seeking authorisation for a form of
development that involves the construction of a building (there is a definition of ‘building’ contained in section 4(1)
of the Development Act 1993), other than where the development is limited to –
a) an internal alteration of a building; orb) an alteration to the walls of a building but not so as to alter the shape of the building.
Note 2
The requirements of section 86 of the Electricity Act 1996 do not apply in relation to:
a) an aerial line and a fence, sign or notice that is less than 2.0 m in height and is not designed for aperson to stand on; or
b) a service line installed specifically to supply electricity to the building or structure by the operator ofthe transmission or distribution network from which the electricity is being supplied.
Note 3
Section 86 of the Electricity Act 1996 refers to the erection of buildings in proximity to powerlines. The regulations
under this Act prescribe minimum safe clearance distances that must be complied with.
Note 4
The majority of applications will not have any powerline issues, as normal residential setbacks often cause the
building to comply with the prescribed powerline clearance distances. Buildings/renovations located far away
from powerlines, for example towards the back of properties, will usually also comply.
Particular care needs to be taken where high voltage powerlines exist; or where the development:
• is on a major road;
• commercial/industrial in nature; or
• built to the property boundary.
Note 5
An information brochure: ‘Building Safely Near Powerlines’ has been prepared by the Technical Regulator to
assist applicants and other interested persons.
This brochure is available from council and the Office of the Technical Regulator. The brochure and other
relevant information can also be found at sa.gov.au/energy/powerlinesafety
Note 6
In cases where applicants have obtained a written approval from the Technical Regulator to build the
development specified above in its current form within the prescribed clearance distances, the applicant is able to
sign the form.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM
Development Application
23 November 2017
JeremyEllis
Typewritten Text
Document 1/2
23 November 2017
Proposed Snowtown North Solar Farm
PL
AN
NIN
G R
EP
OR
T
Report Number. 1671306-006-R-Rev4
Distribution:
1 E-copy: Tilt Renewables
1 E-copy: DPTI
1 E-copy: Golder Associates
Submitted to: Simon Neldner Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure On behalf of: Tilt Renewables Limited L23, 535 Bourke Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000
1.1 Aims of this report ......................................................................................................................................... 1
2.3 State and Local Government context ............................................................................................................ 3
3.0 SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM AND SURROUNDS ...................................................................................... 4
3.1 Subject site ................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Surrounding land .......................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Site selection ................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.0 THE PROPOSAL ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Site access and construction compound ...................................................................................................... 9
4.3 PV modules and arrays ................................................................................................................................ 9
4.4 Power conditioning ..................................................................................................................................... 10
4.5 Operations and Maintenance building ........................................................................................................ 10
4.6 Battery storage and connection .................................................................................................................. 10
4.7 Site security and safety ............................................................................................................................... 11
4.7.1 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................. 11
5.0 CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS ....................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Council wide ............................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Primary Production Zone ............................................................................................................................ 17
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................... 19
6.3 Transport .................................................................................................................................................... 24
6.5 Site ecology ................................................................................................................................................ 25
6.9 Community benefit ...................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 1: Site locality general details .................................................................................................................................... 4
Table 2: Site selection outcomes ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Table 3: Summary of proposal components ........................................................................................................................ 9
Table 4: Snowtown North Solar Farm development plan zone ......................................................................................... 12
Table 5: Development plan provisions .............................................................................................................................. 12
FIGURES
Figure 1: Matching energy demand by combining wind and solar outputs at Snowtown .................................................... 2
Figure 2: Snowtown North Solar Farm site locality .............................................................................................................. 5
Figure 3: Subject land with surrounding residences ............................................................................................................ 7
Figure 4: Proposed solar array layout and supporting site infrastructure ............................................................................ 8
Figure 5: Snowtown North Solar Farm looking north east from the corner of Hewitt Road ............................................... 21
Figure 6: Snowtown North Solar Farm looking east from Barunga Top Road ................................................................... 22
Figure 7: Snowtown North Solar Farm looking south west from Wokurna Road (near Hewitt Road intersection) ............. 23
Figure 8: Route options to Snowtown North Solar Farm ................................................................................................... 24
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 iii
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A Certificate of Title
APPENDIX B Traffic Impact and Route Assessment
APPENDIX C Flora and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX D Surface Water Strategy
APPENDIX E Contractor’s Environmental Management Framework
APPENDIX F Initial Risk Assessment
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 IV
PROPONENT
Entity Description
Applicant Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 15 101 038 331
Registered address PO Box 16080, Collins Street West, Vic, 8007
Office address L 23, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Project Snowtown North Solar Farm
Description of project
Design, construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance and decommissioning of a 45 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with supporting infrastructure, including:
Inverters and transformers
Operations & Maintenance building
Battery storage area
Internal access tracks and car parking
Security fencing
Plan Wakefield Regional Council Development Plan, consolidated 9 February 2017
Zone Primary Production; there are no relevant policy or precinct areas
Assessment authority Department for Planning Transport and Infrastructure
Site Land on Hewitt Road in Wokurna (portion of CT 6118/648 and portion of CT 6118/647)
In accordance with the State Energy Plan, South Australia aims to lead the way in the transformation to the
next generation of renewable technologies. As such, increasing the supply of stable renewable energy
through the Snowtown North Solar Farm is aligned to the Premier of South Australia’s goal to achieve 50%
of electricity generated in the State from renewable energy sources by 2025.
In 2015, The Government of South Australia set out its Economic Priorities with almost 70 objectives to be
achieved by end of 2017. The Solar Farm is aligned to the key objective regarding renewable generation
activities being:
“Transition to a low-carbon economy: South Australia is building on its carbon-neutral Adelaide vision and
success with renewable energy uptake to support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy. National
leadership is needed to improve the adaptability and resilience of the national electricity market and to
support further investment in renewable energy.”
This objective was enhanced in the SA Government’s 2017 objectives to: “Expand investment in renewable
energy to be on track to increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources from 42.2%
in 2014-15 to 50% in 2025. The South Australian ‘Our Energy Plan’ also identifies that more dispatchable
renewable energy is required.
Tilt’s proposal to pair wind and solar resources by adding solar capacity to the wind farm substation means
that the energy supply will be more stable as it will remove the intermittency of generation (see Figure 1). A
reduction in the intermittency will result in an improved capacity factor at the connection point, which
improves reliability.
South Australia’s Strategic Plan (2011) identifies the State’s strategic goals and targets. The Project will
assist in achieving a number of these targets, such as:
Target 59: Greenhouse gas emissions reduction – achieve the Kyoto target by limiting the state’s
greenhouse gas emissions to 108% of 1990 levels during 2008-2012, as a first step towards reducing
emissions by 60% (to 40% of 1990 levels) by 2050 (baseline: 1990)
Target 64: Renewable energy – support the development of renewable energy so that it comprises 33% of
the state’s electricity production by 2020 (baseline: 2004-05)
Target 65: Green Power – purchase renewable energy for 50% of the government’s own electricity needs
(baseline: 2010)
Target 66: Emissions intensity – limit the carbon intensity of total South Australian electricity generation to
0.5 tonnes of CO2/MWh by 2020 (baseline: 2011) (Government of South Australia 2011).
The South Australian Strategic Plan also has relevant targets for employment and regional development:
Target 46: Regional population levels – increase regional populations, outside of Greater Adelaide, by
20,000 to 320,000 or more by 2020 (baseline: 2010);
Target 47: Jobs – increase employment by 2% each year from 2010 to 2016 (baseline: 2010); and
Target 56: Strategic infrastructure – ensure the provision of key economic and social infrastructure
accommodates population growth (baseline: 2010-11) (Government of South Australia 2011).
The project also supports the Wakefield Regional Council’s aspirations for the development of renewable
energy. As per its Strategic Plan, the council supports investment in renewable energy:
“The region is recognised for its renewable energy and Council supports its further development.”
It is acknowledged that renewable energy development will be led by the private sector.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
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3.0 SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM AND SURROUNDS
3.1 Subject site
The preferred site for the Solar Farm is on 100 ha of privately owned agricultural land adjacent to the existing
Snowtown Stage I Wind Farm substation on the corner of Hewitt Road and Wokurna Road, to which it will
connect. Tilt has negotiated a 30 year lease with the existing landholder.
The site covers a portion of land held under two Certificates of Title, included in Appendix A. The land
covered by the two Titles are formally described as Allotments 60, 62 and 63 Deposited Plan 74588 and
Section 250, Hundred of Barunga in the area named Wokurna. The general site locality is summarised in
Table 1.
Table 1: Site locality general details
Aspect Detail
Suburb and postcode Wokurna, 5520
Local Government area Wakefield Regional Council
Federal electorate Grey
State electorate Narungga
Hundred Barunga
3.2 Surrounding land
The subject land is located to the west of Hummock Range at the base of Snowtown Wind Farm. The
proposed site locality and proximity to nearest dwellings are shown on Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4 identifies
the proposed location of the solar arrays and supporting infrastructure.
The subject land is within a rural landscape of large agricultural allotments (Figure 2). It is bound between
Wokurna Road, Barunga Top Road and Hewitt Road. The subject land is currently used for agricultural
activities including cropping and livestock grazing. As such, native vegetation is restricted to the road verge
along the northern boundary. The north western corner is adjacent the existing landowner’s residence and is
screened with amenity plantings. The north eastern corner is adjacent the existing Snowtown Stage I
substation.
The site has an existing easement that accommodates a 132 kV transmission line and the western boundary
is adjacent to the Bundaleer Trunk Main pipeline.
The land slopes from east to west at a relatively constant grade of 2.7%.
Rainfall data collected over the last 30 years at Snowtown (Rayville Park) show that rainfall averages
380 mm each year, with rainfall highest in June (51.7 mm) and lowest in January (17.1 mm).
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 5
Figure 2: Snowtown North Solar Farm site locality
3.3 Site selection
A site selection process was undertaken using the following parameters for assessing site suitability:
Development plan zoning that facilitates renewable energy developments
Technically feasible with respect to construction and operations
Close proximity to an existing substation and wind farm
Minimal number of surrounding residents
Environmental and heritage sensitivities
Suitable site accessibility
Willing site provider.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 6
Snowtown North, as well as a site approximately 15 km to the south (Snowtown South), were selected for
further investigation and both satisfied the parameters. The Snowtown North site was selected as the
preferred site, based on the lower impact to native vegetation and lower quality vegetation present. Further,
the connection of Snowtown South to the Barunga Gap substation was constrained when compared to
Snowtown North. The Flora and Fauna Assessment, included as Appendix C, presents ecological
assessments of both the Snowtown North and Snowtown South sites. Relevance should only be given to the
assessment of Snowtown North for this assessment.
Table 2 describes the outcomes of the site selection process.
Table 2: Site selection outcomes
Aspect Snowtown North Solar Farm Features
Wakefield Regional Council Development Plan Zoning
The site is in an area zoned as Primary Production. Development of renewable energy infrastructure is generally encouraged in this zone.
Current land use at and surrounding the site
The site is cleared land currently used for cereal cropping. Adjacent land uses are largely cereal cropping with two residences in close proximity to the site.
An existing substation, constructed for the Snowtown I Wind Farm, is adjacent the eastern portion of the site. The Snowtown II Wind Farm turbines are approximately 700 m to the east of the site.
Proximity to required infrastructure and its capability (substation and transmission lines)
A major factor in selection of the site was the proximity to the existing substation. This feature allows the Solar Farm to be connected into the national electricity network from the substation with few upgrades to the existing infrastructure.
Separation from sensitive receptors
The closest residence is approximately 280 m to the north west of the site boundary. The closest town is Snowtown, approximately 10 km south east of the site.
The site is highly modified and there are no environmental sensitive receptors identified on or in close proximity to the site.
Environmental impacts
Based on the environmental risk assessment, no potential impacts were identified that would preclude development of the Solar Farm.
Environmental impacts from construction activities can be effectively managed through implementation of a Contractors Environmental Management Plan.
Ease of access and road condition
The site is situated approximately 400 m to the east of Barunga Top Road. Wokurna Road and Hewitt Road run along the north eastern and south eastern boundary of the site.
The roads are in adequate condition to allow the required plant to enter the site without extensive moderations.
Land availability and willing site provider
The landowner was positive about solar farm projects and has offered 100 ha of land for lease by Tilt.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 7
Figure 3: Subject land with surrounding residences
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
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Figure 4: Proposed solar array layout and supporting site infrastructure
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23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 9
4.0 THE PROPOSAL
4.1 Summary
The Snowtown North Solar Farm will be made up of a series of solar panels. These panels are designed to
absorb light and transform it into useable energy by way of an inverter. The inverter turns direct current (DC)
energy into alternating current (AC) energy. The AC energy will be fed to the grid for subsequent use.
Each of the components are summarised below noting that during detailed design, quantities and
dimensions may be optimised.
Table 3: Summary of proposal components
Project aspect Report Section
Description
Site access Section 4.2 Entry from Wokurna Road
PV modules and arrays Section 4.3 45 MW made up of approximately 180,000 panels over 100 ha
Tracking system Section 4.3 May be single axis tracking arrays or fixed arrays
Inverters Section 4.4 Approximately 25, maximum height 5 m
Operations & Maintenance Building
Section 4.5 Approximately 2,000m², built form will be a maximum height of 7 m
Battery Storage Section 4.6 In accordance with the Office of the Technical Regulator
Site security Section 4.7 Chain link fencing (approximately 2.4 m height)
Substation/ Switchyard NA Proposal uses an existing substation. This may also be used to
incorporate operations and maintenance facilities (see Section 4.5)
At the end of its designed life (30 years), the Solar Farm will be decommissioned and the site returned to its
current agricultural state.
4.2 Site access and construction compound
Entry to the site will be from Wokurna Road, approximately 250 m north west of the intersection with Hewitt
Road. The access location complies with the required sight distances (Appendix B).
A site compound of approximately 3,000 m2 will be used temporarily for construction. The compound surface
will be treated for all weather access and the compound will consist of temporary office facilities and
amenities. A car park will also be located within the Project Area, adjacent to the proposed substation. The
area will become the future Operations & Maintenance (O&M) building and carpark which will be designed to
accommodate four cars.
Traffic engineers assessed possible routes to sites and the capability of different roads to accommodate
construction-based and operational traffic. Three routes were investigated, with all three deemed to be
suitable for access with minimal impacts to local and regional traffic (Appendix B).
4.3 PV modules and arrays
Although the solar PV provider has not yet been contracted, each PV module is typically made up of a
number of PV cells sealed in a protective laminate which converts sunlight into electricity. A number of these
modules make up a panel which are pre-wired, field installed units.
Approximately 180,000 solar panels will be arranged in a north-facing direction to optimise solar gain. Solar
panels may be up to 5 m in height to enable sufficient ground clearance for maintenance and grazing
activities.
A number of these panels are joined together to form an array, which is a complete power generating unit.
The arrays are proposed to be connected to a single axis tracking system (a fixed array may be considered).
Typically, these arrays are arranged in rows normally in a north/south direction with access tracks between
the rows for maintenance purposes and to avoid shading issues. The tracking system will be designed and
constructed in accordance with the Australian Standards.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
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The modules will be certified to IEC61730 (including fire test MST-23) and will comply with relevant
Australian Standards and Clean Energy Council guidelines.
4.4 Power conditioning
The PV array will lead into approximately 15-25 inverters.
The energy generated by the PV modules will be converted from direct current
(DC) to alternating current (AC) energy by the inverters and increased to
medium voltage via integrated transformers. The inverters and transformers may
be housed either in small buildings or in an outdoor “skid” configuration with a
maximum height of approximately 5 m.
Inverter output will be at 33 kV (33,000 V). Inverters will be connected together
using underground, high voltage cables. All cables terminate at the O&M
building prior to the substation. A step-up transformer will raise the voltage to
132 kV for connection to the ElectraNet network.
4.5 Operations and Maintenance building
The Project includes an O&M building located within the lease area adjacent to the existing substation. The
O&M building generally contains a site office, control room, storage and amenities. The building will present
as a rural shed structure, with a maximum height of 7 m and footprint of 2,000 m2.
A small carpark will be located adjacent to this facility. During operation, 1 to 2 employees may be present
on site, with additional staff as required during maintenance periods.
The Project area is not connected to reticulated water or sewerage infrastructure. Rainwater may be
collected and stored via water tanks and used on-site for maintenance purposes. A supply of water for
firefighting purposes will also be maintained on site in accordance with bushfire management guidelines.
Sewerage will be managed by a septic system and be removed off-site by a certified contractor.
The proposal is currently being assessed to ensure the design is as efficient as possible. There is the
potential that operations and maintenance facilities can be co-located with the adjacent substation already
owned by Tilt. If this is possible, the proposed area for the O&M building would be used for additional solar
arrays. However, for the purposes of the planning and impact assessments, Tilt has assumed that the O&M
building is on the Solar Farm project site, as a worst case scenario.
4.6 Battery storage and connection
The Project will establish an area for battery storage in
accordance with the requirements of the Office of the
Technical Regulator.
The preliminary solar farm layout allows for a battery
storage area of approximately 40 m x 40 m.
As battery storage is expected to evolve rapidly in the
short-term, the type of battery and storage will be finalised
in the detailed design phase.
Batteries will be housed in accordance with the Clean Energy Council Install Guidelines and the National
Construction code, which include measures to minimise the risk of fire, as well as ensuring that, if a fire
occurs, it is contained. The risk of a widespread fire as a result of battery storage is low, given the control
measures built into battery modules such as internal safety devices (i.e. thermal interrupts and over-pressure
vents) and cooling measures (i.e. passive and active ventilation).
The energy generated is proposed for connection into the national electricity network through the existing
wind farm substation adjacent to the east, and into a switching station 7 km west of Blyth via an existing
28 km of 275kV overhead transmission line.
Both the O&M building and battery storage area will be screened using vegetation of local provenance. A
landscaping plan will be provided during the detailed design phase.
Indicative inverter
Indicative battery storage
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4 11
4.7 Site security and safety
A suitable security fence will follow the perimeter of the Project and an alarm/camera system will monitor the
O&M building and the battery storage area. This will ensure safety, and reduce the risk of theft. Installed
lighting will be of efficient design and use kept to a minimum where possible.
4.7.1 Health and Safety
A Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) will be introduced during construction, operation and
decommissioning to ensure protection of site staff, contractors and visitors. The HSMS will provide a
systematic approach to health and safety management in conformance with legislation, codes and industry
best practice.
4.7.2 Emergency Response
All site staff will be appropriately trained and have access to the appropriate emergency and safety
equipment as part of the HSMS. This will also include an induction for all contractors and visitors to the site.
The proposed development is within a ‘general risk Bushfire Protection Area” and therefore will comply with
the requirements under the South Australian Bushfire Code and Minister’s Specifications for new
development. This will include:
A dedicated water supply for the allotment (minimum capacity of 2,000 L)
An appropriate buffer between site buildings and hazardous vegetation (at least 20 m).
The development will be designed to address bushfire risk including appropriate buffers between buildings
and hazardous vegetation, inclusion of a dedicated water supply and adequate access tracks for emergency
vehicles.
An Emergency Response Plan will also be developed as part of the construction and operational phases of
the development. This will include relevant information relating to the site including plans, site contacts and
emergency procedures specific to the site and facilities.
The Snowtown Country Fire Service (CFS) will be made aware of the Emergency Response Plan and
information specific to the site and equipment as required.
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5.0 CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS
The site of the proposed Snowtown Solar Farm is located within the Primary Production Zone of the
Wakefield Regional Council Development Plan, consolidated 9 February 2017 (the Development Plan;
Table 4).
Table 4: Snowtown North Solar Farm development plan zone
Development Plan Zone PrPro, Primary Production
Bushfire protection area General, Wakefield
Current land use (Generalised 2016) Agriculture
The Development Plan identifies wind farms and ancillary infrastructure to be complying development within
the Primary Production Zone. As a solar farm is not explicitly identified in the Plan, the proposal is deemed to
be development on merit under Schedule 4 of the Development Regulations. The Objectives and Principles
of Development Control (PDC) of the Wakefield Regional Council Development Plan that are considered to
be relevant in the assessment of the proposed development are provided in Table 5.
Table 5: Development plan provisions
Report Section Aspect
Council wide
5.1.1 Hazards (bushfires)
Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4
PDC 1(a), 3, 6, 7, 10, 15
5.1.2 Interface between land uses
Objectives 1, 2, 3
PDC 1, 2, 4,
5.1.3 Biodiversity and native vegetation
Objectives 1, 8, 10
PDC 1, 2, 4, 26, 27
5.1.4 Renewable energy facilities
Objectives 1, 2, 3
PDC 1(a), 1(b)
5.1.5 Siting and visibility
Objectives 1
PDC 2(a), 2(b), 6, 7, 8(a)
5.1.6 Waste
Objectives 2
PDC 12, 14, 15
Zone specific
5.2.1 Primary production zone
Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
PDC 1, 2, 4, 9,
5.1 Council wide
The relevant sections of the Development Plan’s Council-wide provisions are presented below.
5.1.1 Hazards
The Solar Farm is located within the General Bushfire Risk zone (see BPA WakR/2 Bushfire Risk; Q60,
S250). The CFS classes the Solar Farm as a commercial asset.
Tilt has considered Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) in consultation with the CFS. The BAL is a measure of the
radiant heat a building or structure is expected to be subjected to in the event of a bushfire on a day of
extreme fire danger rating. In accordance with AS3959 Australian Standard, buildings in bushfire-prone
areas are rated to certain BALs. The BAL is determined by classifying the type and distance of vegetation
around buildings.
Based on the steel design and no remnant vegetation on site, the O&M building will comply with the relevant
building rules and construction requirements of the Building Code of Australia for an expected bushfire attack
level BAL – Low. This includes having ember proofing in design.
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Infrastructure such as PV panels and batteries will be appropriately fire rated and installed to the relevant
standards and guidelines. The risk of a widespread fire as a result of battery storage is low, given the control
measures built into battery modules such as internal safety devices (i.e. thermal interrupts and over-pressure
vents) and cooling measures (i.e. passive and active ventilation).
As a part of property preparedness against fires, all debris will be cleared from around buildings, inverters
and transformers and firefighting equipment will be located within the O&M building for emergency use.
The site is cleared of native vegetation, and has good access from Wokurna Road. A 15 m buffer around the
site will be maintained for safe vehicular access as well as driveable access between the solar panels.
Site vegetation (fuel load) will be managed by either grazing with sheep or active weed management.
Rainwater will be captured from the building roof and stored onsite in rainwater tanks (minimum requirement
of 2,000 L). Three retention basins have been conceptually designed along the western boundary providing
additional water resources that may be used for firefighting purposes.
OBJECTIVES
1 Maintenance of the natural environment and systems by limiting development in areas susceptible to natural hazard risk.
2 Development located away from areas that are vulnerable to, and cannot be adequately and effectively protected from the risk of
natural hazards.
3 Development located to minimise the threat and impact of bushfires on life and property.
4 Expansion of existing non-rural uses directed away from areas of high bushfire risk.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
1 Development should:
(a) be excluded from areas that are vulnerable to, and cannot be adequately and effectively protected from, the risk of natural
hazards
3 The location of critical community facilities or key infrastructure in areas of high natural hazard risk should be avoided.
7 Buildings and structures should be located away from areas that pose an unacceptable bushfire risk as a result of one or more of the following:
(a) vegetation cover comprising trees and/or shrubs
(b) poor access
(c) rugged terrain
(d) inability to provide an adequate building protection zone
(e) inability to provide an adequate supply of water for fire-fighting purposes.
10 Buildings and structures should be designed and configured to reduce the impact of bushfire through using simple designs that
reduce the potential for trapping burning debris against the building or structure, or between the ground and building floor level in the
case of transportable buildings.
15 Development in a Bushfire Protection Area should be in accordance with those provisions of the Minister’s Code: Undertaking
development in Bushfire Protection Areas that are designated as mandatory for Development Plan Consent purposes.
5.1.2 Interaction between land uses
The site is surrounded by lands used for agricultural purposes. The Primary Production zone envisages
renewable energy developments within agricultural landscapes. The Snowtown Wind Farms add a distinct
character to the area and agricultural land uses have comfortably accommodated renewable energy
generation. The Solar Farm site also has the potential to continue to accommodate some grazing under
certain management conditions.
The Solar Farm has been sited immediately adjacent to an existing substation. The project has minimised
adverse impacts and conflicts associated with the built form by siting the O&M building close to the
substation, and has included a substantial buffer around the site.
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Although the traffic volumes and the percentage of heavy vehicles will increase on designated transport
routes during construction, the total additional vehicles to utilise the roads is in the order of 25 light vehicles
and four heavy vehicles per day for eight months. This increase is unlikely to cause additional damage to the
road or inconvenience to local residents. Based on the historical traffic counts, the traffic volume generated
is considerably less than that generated by the wind farm construction period.
Once construction is complete, the site will be staffed by 1 to 2 personnel during normal business hours. This
is not considered to unduly impact upon existing traffic (see Appendix B).
Once built, solar farms do not produce unreasonable emissions, light spill, glare, noise vibration or effluent.
As such, operations and maintenance activities are not expected to impact the local amenity.
The closest resident (who is leasing the land to Tilt and has screening vegetation to the east of the
residential building) is more than 250 m from the boundary of the Solar Farm and is separated by cropping
land. The O&M building is approximately 1 km to the east of that resident.
With no unreasonable interference of the proposal with adjacent land uses, the proposal is deemed to
comply with the objectives and principles of development control.
OBJECTIVES
1 Development located and designed to minimise adverse impact and conflict between land uses.
2 Protect community health and amenity from adverse impacts of development.
3 Protect desired land uses from the encroachment of incompatible development.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
1 Development should not detrimentally affect the amenity of the locality or cause unreasonable interference through any of the
following:
(a) the emission of effluent, odour, smoke, fumes, dust or other airborne pollutants
(b) noise
(c) vibration
(d) electrical interference
(e) light spill
(f) glare
(g) hours of operation
(h) traffic impacts.
2 Development should be sited and designed to minimise negative impacts on existing and potential future land uses desired in the
locality.
5.1.3 Natural Resources
Tilt has selected a site that has been historically cleared of native vegetation and site access from Wokurna
Road has been located such that there is no disturbance to roadside native vegetation. As such, no
disturbance to native flora and fauna are envisaged from this project. This has been confirmed through an
independent technical assessment prepared by EBS Ecology, and presented in Appendix C.
There are no national parks, reserves, Native Vegetation Council heritage agreements or road side
significant vegetation on or near the project site.
The natural landform will be largely unmodified. Some minor works are required to manage stormwater on
site as outlined in the Surface Water Strategy presented in Appendix D.
With the development having little to no impact on natural assets, the proposal meets the relevant objectives
and principles of development control.
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OBJECTIVES
1 Retention, protection and restoration of the natural resources and environment.
8 Native flora, fauna and ecosystems protected, retained, conserved and restored.
10 Minimal disturbance and modification of the natural landform.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
1 Development should be undertaken with minimum impact on the natural environment, including air and water quality, land, soil,
biodiversity, and scenically attractive areas.
2 Development should ensure that South Australia’s natural assets, such as biodiversity, water and soil, are protected and enhanced.
4 Development should be appropriate to land capability and the protection and conservation of water resources and biodiversity.
Biodiversity and Native Vegetation
26 Development should retain existing areas of native vegetation and where possible contribute to revegetation using locally indigenous
plant species.
27 Development should be designed and sited to minimise the loss and disturbance of native flora and fauna, including marine animals
and plants, and their breeding grounds and habitats.
5.1.4 Renewable Energy Facilities
The Development Plan has clear objectives for the development of renewable energy facilities within the
area. Tilt’s proposal has the capacity to provide up to 45 MW of clean energy and will help increase the
generation stability by combining its output with the Snowtown Wind Farm.
The Solar Farm does not have any impacts on safety associated with transport, either by road or air.
The proposal meets the Renewable Energy Facility objectives and principles of development control through
its siting and low-to-negligible environmental impact.
OBJECTIVES
1 Development of renewable energy facilities that benefit the environment, the community and the state.
2 The development of renewable energy facilities, such as wind farms and ancillary development, in areas that provide opportunity to
harvest natural resources for the efficient generation of electricity.
3 Location, siting, design and operation of renewable energy facilities to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the natural environment
and other land uses.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
1 Renewable energy facilities, including wind farms and ancillary development, should be:
(a) located in areas that maximize efficient generation and supply of electricity; and
(b) designed and sited so as not to impact on the safety of water or air transport and the operation of ports, airfields and designated
landing strips.
5.1.5 Siting and visibility
The O&M building has been located in the north eastern portion of the site so as to collocate the building
with the adjacent substation. The building is proposed to be a maximum of 7 m in height and will present to
the road as a rural shed. The building will be set back from Wokurna Road by more than 20 m and will
provide a visual barrier to the battery storage area.
The areas around the O&M building and future battery storage area will be landscaped with species of local
provenance. A landscaping plan will be provided during detailed design.
Tilt has prepared a series of artistic impressions, superimposing scaled components of the proposal on the
site so as to enable stakeholders to visualise the proposal (Figure 5, 6 and 7).
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OBJECTIVES
1 Protection of scenically attractive areas, particularly natural, rural and coastal landscapes.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
2 Buildings should be sited in unobtrusive locations and, in particular, should:
(a) be grouped together
(b) where possible be located in such a way as to be screened by existing vegetation when viewed from public roads and especially
from arterial roads as shown on Overlay Maps - Transport.
6 The number of buildings and structures on land outside of urban areas should be limited to that necessary for the efficient
management of the land.
7 Driveways and access tracks should be designed and constructed to blend sympathetically with the landscape and to minimise interference with natural vegetation and landforms. 8 Development should be screened through the establishment of landscaping using locally indigenous plant species:
(a) around buildings and earthworks to provide a visual screen as well as shade in summer, and protection from prevailing winds
(b) along allotment boundaries to provide permanent screening of buildings and structures when viewed from adjoining properties and
public roads
(c) along the verges of new roads and access tracks to provide screening and minimise erosion.
5.1.6 Waste
Waste during construction will be managed through the implementation of a Contractor’s Environmental
Management Plan. A framework that Contractors will be required to meet has been developed and is
provided in Appendix E.
Once the Solar Farm has been constructed, it will not produce any wastes or emissions. Wastes generated
from the O&M building will be stored and disposed of appropriately. This includes recycling wherever
possible. The O&M building will include an approved wastewater treatment system.
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OBJECTIVES
2 Development that includes the treatment and management of solid and liquid waste to prevent undesired impacts on the environment
including, soil, plant and animal biodiversity, human health and the amenity of the locality.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
Waste Treatment Systems
12 Development that produces any effluent should be connected to an approved waste treatment system which may include sewage,
community wastewater management systems, or on-site wastewater treatment and disposal methods.
13 The methods for, and siting of, effluent and waste storage, treatment and disposal systems should minimise the potential for
environmental harm and adverse impacts on:
(a) the quality of surface and groundwater resources
(b) public health
(c) the amenity of a locality
(d) sensitive land uses.
14 Waste treatment should only occur where the capacity of the treatment facility is sufficient to accommodate likely maximum daily
demands including a contingency for unexpected high flows and breakdowns.
15 Any domestic waste treatment system or effluent drainage field should be located within the allotment of the development that it will
service.
5.2 Primary Production Zone
A key objective within the Development Plan identifies that wind farms and ancillary developments are
envisioned in the area. The Development Plan does not specifically state a solar farm, however in
consultation with the Wakefield Regional Council, there are no constraints associated with the proposal. The
lack of representation of solar facilities within the Development Plan is a legacy of developer interest being
focused on wind farms in the area.
The Desired Future Character Statement identifies that wind farms and ancillary developments such as
substations, maintenance sheds, access roads and power lines are envisaged within the zone and constitute
part of the zone’s character. The Solar Farm is compatible with this character.
The Solar Farm is proposed on a site that is currently used for agricultural purposes. The Solar Farm is
considered a compatible land use, given the allotment and surrounding land can remain in use for primary
production during operation, and the land will be returned for primary production activities following
decommissioning.
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OBJECTIVES
1 Economically productive, efficient and environmentally sustainable primary production.
2 Allotments of a size and configuration that promote the efficient use of land for primary production.
3 Protection of primary production from encroachment by incompatible land uses and protection of scenic qualities of rural landscapes.
4 Accommodation of wind farms and ancillary development.
5 Development that contributes to the desired character of the zone.
DESIRED CHARACTER
The zone accommodates a wide range of farming practices which contribute to local employment, and the local economy, where
sustainable farm management is practised and where an attractive well vegetated landscape exists.
Wind farms and ancillary development such as substations, maintenance sheds, access roads and connecting power-lines (including to the National Electricity Grid) are envisaged within the zone and constitute a component of the zone's desired character. These facilities will need to be located in areas where they can take advantage of the natural resource upon which they rely and, as a consequence, components (particularly turbines) may need to be:
▪ located in visually prominent locations such as ridgelines
▪ visible from scenic routes and valuable scenic and environmental areas
▪ located closer to roads than envisaged by generic setback policy.
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
Land Use
1 The following forms of development are envisaged in the zone:
▪ wind farm and ancillary development
▪ wind monitoring mast and ancillary development.
3 Wind farms and ancillary development should be located in areas which provide opportunity for harvesting of wind and efficient generation of electricity and may therefore be sited: (a) in visually prominent locations
(b) closer to roads than envisaged by generic setback policy.
Form and Character
9 Development should not be undertaken unless it is consistent with the desired character for the zone.
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6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 Project risk assessment
The potential environmental and social risks associated with the construction, operation and
decommissioning of the Solar Farm were mapped in detail to ensure risks were appropriately characterised
and effective management measures could be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risks.
The risk assessment involved assigning an initial risk rating to each potential risk aspect. Where required,
technical studies were undertaken to provide an appropriate understanding of the risks and suitable
mitigation measures. The initial risk assessment undertaken is included in Appendix F.
Based on the initial risk assessment, the following aspects were considered to be sufficiently low risk and
could be effectively managed through a Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), without
additional assessment:
Non-Aboriginal heritage: the closest heritage listed place is in Snowtown, approximately 10 km south
west of the site. There was no pathway for the Solar Farm to impact non-Aboriginal heritage and
accordingly, no specialist study was required
Groundwater: excavation depths are not expected to facilitate interaction with groundwater. The closest
well did not intersect water when drilled to 62 m. With only shallow footings for the solar arrays
expected, no groundwater study was required
Noise and vibration: the increase in noise and vibration during construction, operation and
decommissioning is expected to be negligible based on activities and distance to sensitive receptors
Glare/reflectivity: the solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight and not produce glare, therefore
pathway impacts are considered negligible
Air quality: impacts due to an increase in dust levels are expected to be negligible based on the
proposed activities and distance to the nearest sensitive receptor
Site contamination: there is not expected to be existing soil contamination at the proposed site location
and contamination of site soils and groundwater as a result of the Project activities is not expected
Greenhouse gas: greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted during construction as a result of traffic
travelling to site and use of plant and machinery. However, the overall objective of providing clean
energy to South Australia will result in a net decrease in reliance on non-renewable energy generators
Water use and waste generation: increase in water use and waste generation will be minor and will not
be greater than that expected on a general construction site.
The following aspects were further investigated to inform appropriate design modifications and management
measures required:
Visual amenity: photo montages have been provided to enable an understanding of the visual impact of
the project
Transport: a Traffic Impact and Route Assessment has been undertaken to assess the possible routes
to site, the capability of the road network and the impact of the temporary increased traffic and heavy
loads
Aboriginal heritage: an Aboriginal heritage survey was carried out to determine whether there are
artefacts or sites of significance
Ecology: a Flora and Fauna Assessment was undertaken to provide information on the existing
ecosystem and the potential impacts from the development
Stormwater Management: a Surface Water Strategy was prepared to assess the impacts of the
development on surface water drainage patterns and design a strategy to mitigate any impacts i.e. soil
erosion.
These aspects are further discussed in the following sections.
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6.2 Visual amenity
The Solar Farm will be visible from surrounding local roads, including Hewitt Road, Barunga Top Road and
Wokurna Road.
To visualise the expected impact of the Solar Farm on the scenic quality of the land, graphic impressions
were developed. The impressions are shown in Figure 5, 6 and 7. Examples of the type of solar PV panels
likely to be used at the site were superimposed onto photos taken at a number of viewpoints, considered
most relevant to passing motorists and community members. With the Solar Farm infrastructure low lying, no
negative impact to the scenic quality of the region is anticipated. The placement of the Solar Farm is in
keeping with the surrounding environment which includes renewable energy infrastructure (i.e. Snowtown
Wind Farm).
Site infrastructure, including O&M buildings, will be screened with vegetation where appropriate, and
vegetation along roadsides will be retained.
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Figure 5: Snowtown North Solar Farm looking north east from the corner of Hewitt Road
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Figure 6: Snowtown North Solar Farm looking east from Barunga Top Road
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Figure 7: Snowtown North Solar Farm looking south west from Wokurna Road (near Hewitt Road intersection)
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6.3 Transport
It has been assumed that the majority of the Solar Farm and infrastructure requirements will be transported
from the Port Adelaide region using gazetted B-double routes.
Three potential routes have been identified that link the Project site to the gazetted B-double routes. These
routes considered road capacity and capability to accommodate the expected heavy vehicles, as well as
safety for road users with respect to suitable sight distances to be aware of the presence of a junction, and
ability to stop before reaching the collision point. All three routes can sufficiently accommodate two-lane two-
way traffic. Figure 8 presents the three routes that were assessed for the increase in traffic during
construction.
Figure 8: Route options to Snowtown North Solar Farm
Traffic volumes and the percentage of heavy vehicles would increase on these roads if Solar Farm traffic
was to utilise them during construction, however, the total additional vehicles using the roads will be in the
order of 25 light vehicles and four heavy vehicles per day for an eight month period. As presented in the
Traffic Impact and Route Assessment report, this increase in traffic is unlikely to cause additional damage to
the road or inconvenience to local residents. Further, based on the historical traffic counts, the traffic volume
generated is considerably less than that generated by the wind farm construction period.
Tilt will maintain local road pavements in a suitable condition.
More detail around transport routes and traffic impacts is presented in the Traffic Impact and Route
Assessment report presented in Appendix B.
6.4 Heritage
In order to understand the cultural heritage and historical use of the site, Tilt undertook desktop research,
including requesting information on registered sites within the project area from the Department of State
Development (DSD) - Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (ARR). The search results showed that no entries
have been recorded within the proposed development area. Tilt has been working with the Adjahdura
Narungga Heritage Group (ANHG) to ensure all heritage matters are considered in the planning of the
project, and will be considered during construction.
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6.5 Site ecology
The overall ecological impact of the proposed development is considered to be low as native vegetation
clearance is not expected and the site is not providing critical habitat to any flora or fauna of conservation
significance.
A desktop and field based Flora and Fauna Assessment was undertaken by EBS Ecology to determine any
environmental constraints that may be associated with the Project area (Appendix C).
6.5.1 Vegetation
There were no nationally or state threatened flora species observed at the site. Given the lack of native
vegetation and historical land practices on site, this was not an unexpected finding of the study.
Three vegetation associations were described within the survey area (Figure 9):
Native grassland (Association 1): open grassland dominated by Enneapogon nigricans (Black-head Grass)/Austrostipa sp. (Spear-grass). The association was generally highly degraded and weed dominated.
Exotic grassland +/- scattered native species (Association 2): dominated by exotic grasses and herbs including Condon dactylon (Couch), Piptatherum miliaceum (Rice Millet), Sonchus oleraceus (Common Sow-thistle) and Heliotropium europaeum (Common Heliotrope). Native species Salsola australis (Buckbush) and Vittadinia gracilis (Woolly New Holland Daisy) were sparsely scattered within this association.
Cropping (Association 3): No native vegetation was present in this association.
Three declared weeds under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 were identified during the flora
survey including Bathurst Burr, Salvation Jane and Horehound. These will require management during
construction to control the spread of weeds, and Tilt has scoped a Contractor’s Environmental Management
Framework (CEMF) to inform contractors of their obligations during construction (Appendix E).
Figure 9: Mapped Vegetation Associations
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6.5.2 Fauna
The assessment of fauna and fauna habitat indicated the following:
No nationally or state threatened fauna species were observed at or near the site
The areas of native grassland may support the nationally endangered Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard,
nationally vulnerable Flinders Worm Lizard and the nationally critically endangered Plain’s Wanderer.
However:
▪ these species are unlikely to utilise the site
▪ there are no records of these species being found in close proximity to the site
▪ the native grassland is degraded and surrounded by agricultural land.
An EPBC referral will not be required as there are no species of significance that will be affected by this
project.
The site would offer foraging habitat for kangaroos, reptiles, birds and brown snakes.
The majority of the Solar Farm infrastructure will be installed in cleared cropping land. The proposed location
for access to the site is exotic grassland with low ecological value. Based on this, the impact on fauna habitat
will be negligible. The disturbance to reptile species and birds inhabiting the proposed Project area is
expected to be localised and short term during the construction period.
Potential impacts to fauna will be managed during construction, operation and decommissioning through
implementation of a Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). A Contractor’s Environmental
Management Framework (CEMF) is included in Appendix E.
6.6 Stormwater management
The proposed layout of solar panels will not form a continuous impervious area, but a series of angled
impervious areas with open spaces in between. The existing soil cover under the solar panels is expected to
remain the same during the operational phase of the Project. Therefore, the proposed development will not
change the topography of the site, but the panels are expected to change the runoff pattern and create
localised flow paths (Appendix D).
A Surface Water Strategy has been developed to:
Manage stormwater discharge from the site to allow it to disperse overland
Protect the site from upstream runoff
Prevent concentrated discharge to downstream properties
Manage runoff within the site such that erosion is minimised.
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To meet these objectives, the following surface water management measurers are proposed:
Cut off drains along the eastern boundaries to intercept upstream overland flows from external
catchments
Internal swales on the western boundaries and both sides of the access track to intercept and convey
overland flow from the site and internal flow paths
Retention basins along the western boundaries to collect stormwater from the internal swales; retain
stormwater allowing infiltration and evaporation; and reduce the concentration of overland flows
discharging to downstream sites, and the potential for erosion.
The proposed stormwater management measures are shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Stormwater management strategy
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6.7 Employment
The project is expected to employ a peak of approximately 200 staff over the 8 month construction period.
The selected construction contractor will be encouraged to use a local workforce where possible to provide
opportunities for local individuals and businesses to build experience in a new industry and increase the
employment rate in the Wakefield Regional Council area.
In addition to direct employment, it is expected that indirect employment opportunities will be generated, as
well as a potential increase in revenue to local businesses as a flow-on effect from the increase in population
in the area during construction.
The proposed development is estimated to require 1 to 2 full time employees over the 30 year life of the
project. These employees are expected to be local residents in close enough proximity to travel to/from work
daily. Local businesses will also be utilised for maintenance requirements where possible.
Additional workforce to the operational staff will be required for decommissioning, however this number is
currently unknown.
6.8 Decommissioning
The decommissioning of the site will involve the removal of structures erected as part of the Solar Farm
construction and remediation back to the previous land condition. Decommissioning activities will be similar
in impact to the construction phase and will be appropriately managed through the CEMP.
6.9 Community benefit
The Lend-A-Hand Foundation was set up by Tilt Renewables to support community projects/causes as a
commitment resulting from the Snowtown Wind Farm Development. Tilt Renewables will commit additional
funding to the Lend-A-Hand Foundation (or an equivalent alternative in consultation with the community) for
the Solar Farm Development.
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7.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Following on from the relationships built during the development of the Snowtown Wind Farm, Tilt
Renewables is committed to continued meaningful engagement and communication with the Snowtown
community and other interested parties through the entire life cycle of the project. A comprehensive list of
stakeholders who may have interest in the Project was compiled and a strategy developed to ensure all
stakeholders remain informed and have the opportunity to participate in the decisions that might affect them.
Prior to lodging this Development Application, Tilt Renewables undertook early consultation involving:
face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders
information packs sent to all neighbours within 5 km of the site and other key stakeholders including
local businesses and community organisations
an open invitation community information session.
A community information session was held on 20 June 2017 and provided an opportunity for interested
members of the community to gain information, talk to the Project team and provide feedback.
A summary of the feedback received as a result of the early engagement activities is as follows:
Members of the public were generally positive about the Solar Farm development in the Snowtown area
The CFS highlighted considerations for design, construction and operation associated with fire safety
The Wakefield Regional Council was positive about the project and the benefit it brings to the
community
Snowtown Primary School Principal identified the benefits of the development to the School community
Representatives from the Community Engagement Committee, Sureway Employment and Training,
Snowtown Lend-A-Hand Foundation and Primary Industries and Regions SA were also positive about
the Project.
The Development Application includes the design and management considerations resulting from community
consultation.
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8.0 PROJECT CONCLUSIONS
Tilt Renewables Limited has proposed to design, construct, operate and maintain a 45 MW Solar Farm.
Technical assessment has been undertaken to understand the impact of the development, including:
Traffic
Ecological
Surface water
Visual.
The studies concluded that the development is appropriately sited in that the Solar Farm:
Is consistent with the objectives and desired future character of the zone which seeks renewable
energy developments
Has very low impact with respect to the traffic and transport generated through construction and
operation
Has negligible ecological footprint as the site has been historically cleared of native vegetation
Increases the reliability of the renewable energy generated by Snowtown Wind Farms with limited
infrastructure requirements.
The proposal meets relevant Council-wide development objectives and principles of development control,
and is also consistent with the State plans for increased security in renewable energy generation.
The facility has been strategically sited and designed to minimise visibility within the surrounding
environment as much as practicable.
The community and other stakeholders support the Solar Farm development.
It is considered that the proposal will provide important community and state benefit and provide
opportunities for local residents and businesses.
We are therefore of the opinion that the proposal has sufficient merit to warrant Development Plan Consent.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4
Report Signature Page
GOLDER ASSOCIATES PTY LTD
Hannah Keynes Lissa van Camp
Environmental Scientist Principal Environmental Consultant
HK/LvC/gp
A.B.N. 64 006 107 857
Golder, Golder Associates and the GA globe design are trademarks of Golder Associates Corporation.
The Registrar-General certifies that this Title Register Search displays the recordsmaintained in the Register Book and other notations at the time of searching.
Certificate of Title - Volume 6118 Folio 647Parent Title(s) CT 6024/317
Creating Dealing(s) TG 11989295, TG 11989296
Title Issued 13/09/2013 Edition 1 Edition Issued 13/09/2013
Estate TypeFEE SIMPLE
Registered ProprietorMICHAEL STUART JAMIESONREBECCA JANE JAMIESON
OF PO BOX 21 BLYTH SA 5462AS JOINT TENANTS
Description of LandALLOTMENT COMPRISING PIECES 60, 62 AND 63 DEPOSITED PLAN 74588IN THE AREA NAMED WOKURNAHUNDRED OF BARUNGA
EasementsSUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED D ON FP 57308 TO THE MINISTER FORINFRASTRUCTURE (T 2024644)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED C ON FP 57308 (TG 10847718)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED AA ON FP 57308 (TG 10918775)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED J ON FP 57308 (TG 11989295)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED H ON FP 57308 (TG 11989296)
Schedule of DealingsDealing Number Description
11573558 MORTGAGE TO NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LTD.
11989297 LEASE TO SNOWTOWN WIND FARM PTY. LTD. COMMENCING ON 31/1/2013 ANDEXPIRING ON 29/1/2018 OF PORTION (DC 58 IN FP 57383)
12627278 MORTGAGE OF LEASE 11989297 TO NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LTD. (ACN: 004 044 937)
The Registrar-General certifies that this Title Register Search displays the recordsmaintained in the Register Book and other notations at the time of searching.
Certificate of Title - Volume 6118 Folio 648Parent Title(s) CT 6012/833
Creating Dealing(s) TG 11989296
Title Issued 13/09/2013 Edition 1 Edition Issued 13/09/2013
Estate TypeFEE SIMPLE
Registered ProprietorMICHAEL STUART JAMIESONREBECCA JANE JAMIESON
OF PO BOX 21 BLYTH SA 5462AS JOINT TENANTS
Description of LandSECTION 250HUNDRED OF BARUNGAIN THE AREA NAMED WOKURNA
EasementsSUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED D ON FP 57308 TO THE MINISTER FORINFRASTRUCTURE (T 2024644)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED C ON FP 57308 (TG 10847718)
SUBJECT TO EASEMENT(S) OVER THE LAND MARKED H ON FP 57308 (TG 11989296)
2.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................ 11
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................................ 46
6.2 Impact on Traffic ......................................................................................................................... 46
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA) has been engaged by Tilt Renewables to undertake a traffic impact
and route assessment for a proposed solar farm to be located near Snowtown, South Australia. The
purpose of the assessment is to examine the condition of the existing road network and its suitability
to accommodate heavy vehicle movements and the proposed traffic demand to assist with the
Development Application with the Development Assessment Commission.
The site is proposed to be located adjacent an existing substation for the Snowtown Wind Farm off of
Wokurna Road, as shown Figure 1 below.
Figure 1 Proposed location of solar farm
It is understood that the solar farm will consist of a fixed or single axis tracking solar PV plant targeting
up to 50MW capacity and will comprise a number of panels and inverters, and will include an access
track which will span the upper part of the site from Wokurna Road, as shown in Figure 2 below.
N
PROPOSED
SOLAR FARM
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Figure 2 Proposed site layout (source: Tilt Renewables)
The transportation of materials for the site will lead to a temporary increase in the number of heavy
vehicles on the adjacent roads and Tilt Renewables is seeking to ensure that the network is in a
suitable condition to accommodate the anticipated volumes and that the impact to amenity on the
surrounding road network is minimised.
1.2 SCOPE OF THE ASSESSMENT
The route assessment incorporates the following elements:
• Identification of potential routes
• Calculation of heavy vehicle volumes likely to be generated by the proposed solar farm
• Assessment of the current condition of the identified routes, identifying hazards and impediments to heavy vehicle movements and recommending treatments where required
• Recommendation of a route for use as the primary access to the proposed solar farm
1.3 SUPPORTING INFORMATION
A site assessment was undertaken on 8 June 2017 by WGA, and incorporated reviewing each of the
proposed routes. Information on projected heavy vehicle volumes during counts was provided by Tilt
Renewables.
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2 ROUTE OPTIONS
2.1 GENERAL
WGA has developed a number of routes to be assessed as part of this report. In developing route
options for assessment, it has been assumed that the majority of heavy vehicles will access the
proposed site from the South, travelling via gazetted freight routes to the Snowtown area. This is
based on the assumption that the majority of solar farm components will be sourced from the Port
Adelaide region and movements produced during the operational period of the solar farm will generally
be from the Adelaide region.
2.2 GAZETTED FREIGHT ROUTES
The gazetted freight routes in the vicinity of the proposed solar farm have been obtained from DPTI’s
RavNet website and are illustrated in Figure 3 below. It can be seen that in the vicinity of the site
there are two gazetted B-double routes (Barunga Gap Road and Upper Yorke Road) and one
gazetted road train route (Augusta Highway). As these roads are all gazetted freight routes they have
not been assessed as part of this report, and it has been assumed that all freight will access the site
from one of these gazetted routes.
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Figure 3 Gazetted freight routes in the vicinity of the proposed solar farm
B-DOUBLE
ROAD TRAIN N
PROPOSED
SOLAR FARM
Port Adelaide
AU
GU
ST
A H
IGH
WA
Y
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2.3 ROUTE OPTIONS
Three potential routes have been identified that link the proposed site of the solar farm to gazetted B-
double routes, and these are illustrated in Figure 4 below. All three routes utilise local unsealed roads
to access the proposed site.
Figure 4 Route options to proposed solar farm
The routes are as follows:
• Route A (Wokurna Road East) accesses the proposed solar farm site from the Augusta Highway via Wokurna Road and is the only one of the three routes that is accessed from a gazetted road train route.
• Route B (Barunga Top Road) accesses the proposed solar farm site from Barunga Gap Road (a gazetted B Double route) via Barunga Top Road. Two options have been assessed within the northern section of Route B to access the site, one utilising Hewitt Road and one utilising the continuation of Barunga Top Road. For the purpose of this assessment, it has been assumed that heavy vehicles utilising this route will travel to Barunga Gap Road via the Augusta Highway.
• Route C (Wokurna Road West) accesses the proposed solar farm site from Upper Yorke Road (a gazetted B Double route) via Wokurna Road.
It should be noted that although Wokurna Road is one continuous road that stretches from Augusta
Highway to Upper Yorke Road, for the purposes of this assessment it has been split into two sections,
which will be referred to hereinafter by basic designation:
• Wokurna Road East which stretches from Augusta Highway to the proposed solar farm access point; and
• Wokurna Road West which stretches from the proposed solar farm access point to Upper Yorke Road
B-DOUBLE
ROAD TRAIN
PROPOSED
SOLAR FARM
ROUTE A –
WOKURNA ROAD
EAST
ROUTE B – BARUNGA
TOP ROAD
ROUTE C – WOKURNA
ROAD WEST
N
AU
GU
ST
A H
IGH
WA
Y
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3 VEHICLE VOLUMES
3.1 EXISTING TRAFFIC
Existing traffic volumes of local roads have been provided by Wakefield Regional Council, and traffic
volumes on DPTI operated roads obtained from the SAViewer Website. The most recent traffic
volumes are summarised in Table 3.1 below, which includes the annual average daily traffic volumes
(AADTs) and the percentage of heavy vehicles (%HV) on each road. No traffic volume information was
available on Hewitt Road.
Table 3.1 Existing traffic volumes
Road Year of Count AADT %HV Source
Augusta Highway 2016 3700 21.50% SAViewer Website
Barunga Gap Road 2013 310 19.50% SAViewer Website
Upper Yorke Road 2012 440 11.00% SAViewer Website
Wokurna Road East 2013 22 25.20% Council
Barunga Top Road 2009 18 7.10% Council
Wokurna Road West 2013 91 12.20% Council
Figure 5 below shows the location and volumes of historical traffic data. For example, it can be seen
that there were two sets of traffic count data provided by Council for Wokurna Road West. The count
undertaken in 2011 showed an AADT of 19 vehicles, of which 13.1% were heavy vehicles, whilst
another count undertaken in 2013 showed an AADT of 91 vehicles (of which 12.2% were heavy
vehicles).
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Figure 5 Existing traffic volumes, AADT and %HV (year of count) (sourced from Wakefield Regional Council)
It can be seen from Figure 5 above that the traffic volumes on Wokurna Road and Barunga Top Road
have varied significantly over previous years. It is understood that this is likely due to various
construction phases of the adjacent wind farm.
The traffic volumes show that at the peak of construction of the wind farm (likely around 2007), the
traffic volumes increased dramatically. For example, compared to the most recent traffic count taken in
2013, the traffic volumes in 2007 were 450% greater on Wokurna Road East.
3.2 GENERATED TRAFFIC
3.2.1 General
Information on the amount and type of traffic expected to be generated by the construction and
operation of the solar farm has been provided by Tilt Renewables. The majority of vehicle movements
generated will be within the (approximate) eight month construction period, with minimal traffic
expected to be generated by the site once operational.
3.2.2 Construction
Construction period volumes provided by Tilt Renewables are shown in Table 3.2 below, and include
an estimate of the average weekly volume of vehicle trips based on an eight month construction
period. The use of the term ‘Trip’ represents a one-way vehicular movement from one point to
another. Therefore, a vehicle entering and leaving the solar farm will correspond to two trips.
N
AU
GU
ST
A H
IGH
WA
Y
WOKURNA ROAD WEST
AADT 16, 6.4 % HV (2006)
AADT 18, 7.1% HV (2009)
AADT 42, 23.2% HV (2009)
AADT 58, 8.9% HV (2006)
AADT 72, 26.6% HV (2006)
AADT 202, 50.1% HV (2007)
AADT 122, 22.7% HV (2007)
AADT 160, 13.2% HV (2009)
AADT 45, 43.9% HV (2009)
AADT 22, 25.2% HV (2013)
AADT 19, 13.1% HV (2011)
AADT 91, 12.2% HV (2013)
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Table 3.2 Construction period traffic volumes
Vehicle Type Vehicle Trips - Total for
Construction Period
Vehicle Trips - Average Per
Week
Vehicle Trips - Average Per Day
B-Double Trucks – Construction Materials 580 18 3
Flat Bed Trucks (Semi-trailers) transporting earth moving machinery including Graders, Forklifts etc
240 8 1
25 Seater Bus 90 3 <1
Light Vehicles 4800 150 21
Total 5710 178 25
It can be seen in Table 3.2 above that that the majority of movements to the site during the
construction period are expected to be by light vehicles, followed by B-Doubles and semi-trailers
carrying construction plant. Some small buses are also assumed to access the site during the
construction period.
3.2.3 Operation
Tilt Renewables have advised that there will be two staff on a permanent basis present at the site for
the operational period. For the purposes of this assessment, WGA have assumed that these staff will
work six day weeks and will travel to site in separate light vehicles. In addition to these movements,
WGA have estimated that on average there will be one semi-trailer movement a month to allow for
maintenance as required. These volumes are summarised in Table 3.3 below.
Table 3.3 Operational period traffic volumes
Vehicle Type Vehicle Trips - Average Per Week
Vehicle Trips - Average Per Day
Semi-trailers 0.5 <1
Light Vehicles 24 4
Total 24.5 4
3.3 NETWORK TRAFFIC IMPACT
Table 3.4 and Table 3.5 below show the estimated impact on the surrounding road network resulting
from the traffic to be generated by the development during the operational and construction phases.
These volumes and percentages have been calculated on the assumption that the forecast traffic will
be the sum of the existing traffic volume and 100% of the traffic trips generated by the solar farm.
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Table 3.4 Network traffic impact - construction
Road Relevant Route
AADT % HV
Existing Forecast % Increase
Existing Forecast % Increase
Augusta Highway
A 3700 3725 1% 21.50% 21.5% 0%
Barunga Gap Road
B 310 335 8% 19.50% 19.2% 0%
Upper Yorke Road
C 440 465 6% 11.00% 11.3% 0%
Wokurna Road East
A 22 47 116% 25.20% 20.2% 0%
Barunga Top Road
B 18 43 142% 7.10% 12.3% 5%
Wokurna Road West
C 91 116 28% 12.20% 13.0% 1%
Table 3.5 Network traffic impact – operational
Road Relevant Route
AADT % HV
Existing Forecast % Increase
Existing Forecast % Increase
Augusta Highway
A 3700 3703 0.1% 21.50% 21.5% 0.0%
Barunga Gap Road
B 310 313 1.1% 19.50% 19.3% 0.0%
Upper Yorke Road
C 440 443 0.8% 11.00% 10.9% 0.0%
Wokurna Road East
A 22 25 15.6% 25.20% 22.1% 0.0%
Barunga Top Road
B 18 21 19.0% 7.10% 6.3% 0.0%
Wokurna Road West
C 91 94 3.8% 12.20% 11.8% 0.0%
It can be seen in Table 3.4 and Table 3.5 that the traffic generated by the solar farm will only have a
slight impact on traffic volumes on DPTI operated roads (Augusta Highway, Barunga Gap Road and
Upper Yorke Road), with the maximum increase in AADT equivalent to 8% (Barunga Gap Road during
construction).
During the construction period, Barunga Top Road would be most affected by the increase in traffic
volumes due to the solar farm construction, resulting in a 142% increase in AADT and a 5% increase
in the percentage of heavy vehicles, followed by Wokurna Road East and then Wokurna Road West.
Barunga Top Road would also be most impacted by the operational traffic volumes, with an increase
in AADT of 19% (although no increase in the percentage of heavy vehicles).
Based on the historical traffic counts, the traffic volume generated will result in considerably less
impact than those generated by the wind farm construction period, which was in the order of a 450%
increase in AADT (refer to Section 3.1). For example, in 2007 (presumed to be a peak wind farm
construction period), Wokurna Road East had an AADT of 202. In contrast, during the construction
period of the proposed solar farm, the AADT of Wokurna Road East is expected to increase to only
47.
In summary, although the traffic volumes and percentage of heavy vehicles will increase on these
roads if solar farm traffic was to utilise them during construction, the total additional vehicles to utilise
the roads is in the order of 25 light vehicles and 4 heavy vehicles per day for eight months and is
unlikely to cause major additional damage to the road or inconvenience to local residents. Based on
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the historical traffic counts, the traffic volume generated is considerably less than that generated by
the wind farm construction period.
The increase on all roads during the operational period is considered negligible due to the small
volume of traffic generated.
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4 ROADWAY ASSESSMENT
4.1 GENERAL
As discussed in Section 3.1, the proposed solar farm will be accessed via local unsealed roads
utilising the potential routes identified. On 8 June 2017, WGA undertook a site assessment of the
identified route options, and this section includes a summary of the findings.
The following items were assessed for each route:
• Road Geometry
• Pavement Condition
• Stormwater Drainage
• Junctions
In addition to the site specific issues identified, a number of items were also identified that were
considered applicable to all sites, and these are discussed further in Section 4.1 below.
4.2 TYPICAL ROAD GEOMETRY
4.2.1 General
A high level assessment of the typical cross sections along the proposed routes has been undertaken
to determine suitability for operation of heavy vehicles during the construction phase.
The cross sections have been assessed against recommendations contained within the ARRB
Unsealed Roads Manual, Guidelines to Good Practice (ARRB Unsealed Roads Manual), where Table
4.14 recommends a typical minimum carriageway width of 7.0m for a two-lane two-way road, to allow
vehicles to pass without the need to stop. It should be noted however that Austroads Guide to Road
Design, Part 3: Geometric Design, Section 4.2.6, states that for roads where volumes are less that
150vpd a single-lane two-way carriageway may be suitable.
4.2.2 Route A (Wokurna Road East)
Wokurna Road East
Typically, Wokurna Road East was found to comprise an 8-10 m wide unsealed carriageway,
narrowing to a 7.0 m width toward the western end (approximately 2.0 km before the proposed solar
farm access point). Within the sealed sections, the sealed carriageway typically had a 7 m width, with
1 m unsealed shoulders. In accordance with the ARRB Unsealed Roads Manual, the existing width of
Wokurna Road East is therefore considered suitable for a two-lane two-way road. A typical section of
Wokurna Road East is shown in Figure 6 below.
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Figure 6 Typical section of Wokurna Road East
The section of Wokurna Road East from the Augusta Highway to approximately 4.5 km from the
proposed solar farm access point is relatively flat and straight, with westbound vehicles then
encountering a steady incline (to approximately 1.5 km from the proposed solar farm access point)
and horizontal curves followed by a steep decline to the proposed solar farm access point with a
number of horizontal curves.
Truck warning signs were observed on the eastbound approach to the narrower section of Wokurna
Road East, and curve warning signs were observed on both approaches to a number of tight curves.
The steep batters toward the western end of Wokurna Road East were protected with W-beam
guardrails, and guide posts were present along the length of the road. Overhead power lines crossed
Wokurna Road East approximately 2 km from the proposed solar farm access point.
Three properties are accessed from Wokurna Road East between the Augusta Highway and the
proposed solar farm access point, with Wokurna Road East sealed to approximately 150 m either side
of the access points. Three wind farm access gates are also located on Wokurna Road East,
although it is noted that their current condition indicates that they may not be heavily utilised.
4.2.3 Route B (Barunga Top Road)
Barunga Top Road
Typically, Barunga Top Road was found to comprise an 8-10 m wide unsealed carriageway. In
accordance with the ARRB Unsealed Roads Manual, the existing width of Barunga Top Road is
therefore considered suitable for a two-lane two-way road. A typical section of Barunga Top Road is
shown in Figure 7 below.
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Figure 7 Typical section of Barunga Top Road
The section of Barunga Top Road that stretches from Barunga Gap Road in the south to the
intersection with Wokurna Road in the north is relatively flat and straight, with a small number of
horizontal curves existing toward the southern end of Barunga Top Road on the approach to Barunga
Gap Road.
Guide posts were present at horizontal curves and at culvert crossings. An overhead power line runs
along the length of the western side of Barunga Top Road, before branching off approximately 4.5 km
before the intersection with Barunga Gap Road. The stobie poles associated with the overhead power
line were offset approximately 2 m from the carriageway.
Eight properties are accessed from Barunga Top Road between Barunga Gap Road and Wokurna
Road. A wind farm access gate is also located on Barunga Top Road, approximately 600 m north of
the junction with Barunga Gap Road. There are also a number of minor roads that intersect with
Barunga Gap Road, including Railway Terrace North, School Corner Road, Venning Road and Tower
View Road/Shadwell Gap Road.
A disused rail crossing also exists on Barunga Top Road, approximately 150 m to the north of the
intersection with Barunga Gap Road.
Hewitt Road
Hewitt Road, which stretches from Barunga Gap Road in the east to Wokurna Road in the west, was
found to typically comprise a 6 m wide unsealed carriageway, which, in accordance with the ARRB
Unsealed Roads Manual, is slightly too narrow for a two-lane two-way road. A typical section of Hewitt
Road is shown in Figure 8 below. The small section of sealed road adjacent the substation had a
sealed carriageway width of 7 m, and unsealed shoulders of approximately 2 m width.
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Figure 8 Typical section of Hewitt Road
Hewitt Road is relatively flat and straight, with a slight upwards incline from Barunga Top Road to
Wokurna Road. High voltage power lines run along both sides of Hewitt Road for approximately 1 km
from Wokurna Road, with poles offset an average of 3 m from the carriageway. An above-ground
water pipeline (approximately 500 mm in diameter) also runs along the northern side of Hewitt Road
for approximately 500 m (from Barunga Top Road).
Although no private properties are accessed from Hewitt Road, there is an access to the substation
(located at the northern end) as well as an access gate adjacent the above ground pipe,
approximately 500 m from the junction with Barunga Top Road.
4.2.4 Route C (Wokurna Road West)
Wokurna Road West
Typically, Wokurna Road West was found to comprise an 8-10 m wide unsealed carriageway. In
accordance with the ARRB Unsealed Roads Manual, the existing width of Wokurna Road West is
therefore considered suitable for a two-lane two-way road. A typical section of Wokurna Road West is
shown in Figure 9 below.
Figure 9 Typical section of Wokurna Road West
Wokurna Road West is relatively flat and straight, with a small number of horizontal curves existing
around the township of Wokurna.
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Guide posts were present at horizontal curves and at culvert crossings, and intersection warning signs
were present at the approaches to the intersection of Aeroplane Road/Mundoora-Wokurna Road.
A small number of properties (approximately 9) are accessed from Wokurna Road West between
Upper Yorke Road and the proposed solar farm access point, with the small township of Wokurna
consisting of three of these properties as well as a disused community sports area (oval and tennis
courts). A children’s bus stop was also located on Wokurna Road East within the township of
Wokurna, with signage installed warning motorists to watch for children.
4.2.5 Summary
All three routes had sufficient width to allow for a two-lane two-way road, with the exception of Hewitt
Road (part of Route B – Barunga Top Road) which was slightly narrower.
Although the routes appear to consist of a suitable geometry for heavy vehicle traffic (with the
exception of Hewitt Road), consideration should be given to trimming back vegetation to maintain sight
safe distances and clear zones. This includes trimming at places where the vegetation is beginning to
infringe within the carriageway, such as on Wokurna Road East (as shown in Figure 10) and where
vegetation is restricting sight distance on horizontal curves, such as on Wokurna Road West (as
shown in Figure 11). The amount of trimming required is expected to be minimal, and is considered
comparable to the amount of trimming required for routine maintenance of roadside vegetation.
Figure 10 Vegetation infringing carriageway – Wokurna Road East
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The installation of additional signage on the approach to minor intersections to further increase safety
on the preferred route could also be considered, although it is noted that additional signage was not
installed during the wind farm construction period (which had a higher volume of heavy vehicles
utilising routes).
Further, consideration could also be given to additional traffic management arrangements to further
prevent or minimise the risk of incidents occurring on the roads. For example, regular radio contact
between heavy vehicle drivers when departing the proposed solar farm site or approaching local roads
would assist in coordinating vehicle movements and greatly increase safety on the local roads. Drivers
could instruct each other on their movements which would minimise the likelihood of opposing heavy
vehicles travelling along road sections concurrently.
4.3 PAVEMENT CONDITION
4.3.1 General
A high level assessment of the existing pavement condition along the proposed routes was
undertaken as part of the site assessment. The existing pavement condition assessment has been
used to develop high level treatment recommendations, which can be adopted to ensure that the
pavement condition remains in a suitable condition to the end of the construction period if the route is
to be adopted for the proposed development. Consequently, while areas of poor surface quality were
identified on all roads during the assessment, specific details have not been included in this
breakdown of findings.
It is noted that a number of the roads adjacent to the proposed solar farm are likely to have been
recently utilised by a large volume of heavy vehicles during construction of the Snowtown Wind Farm,
and are likely to continue to be used by a small amount of heavy vehicles generated by the Snowtown
Wind Farm. It is also understood that a small volume of grain vehicles are also likely to use the local
roads during agricultural harvest seasons. The condition of local roads is currently affected by the
presence of these vehicles, which means that pavement condition will not be solely impacted by
vehicles generated by the proposed solar farm.
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4.3.2 Route A (Wokurna Road East)
Wokurna Road East typically consists of unsealed pavement; with short asphalt surfaced sections
provided adjacent property access points.
The overall pavement condition of the unsealed pavement was observed to be generally good, with
some corrugations and potholing identified along its length, particularly toward the western end of the
road where the road is on a steep gradient (approximately 1 km before the proposed access to the
solar farm). Within this western section, severe corrugations and minor rutting was observed. Loss of
wearing course in the wheelpaths was also identified.
The typical pavement condition within this section is illustrated in Figure 12. These identified defects
are likely to have been caused by the poor drainage controls present in this section, along with heavy
vehicles trafficking the steep gradient during wet weather. A temporary “slippery surface sign” had
been placed on the westbound approach to this section at the time of the site assessment.
Figure 12 Typical pavement section (western end of Wokurna Road East)
The unsealed pavement at the transition between the unsealed and asphalt surfaced pavement
sections was also identified to be in poor condition, likely due to the impact of heavy vehicles
transitioning between the two pavement surfaces in wet weather. Defects identified within these areas
included severe potholing, corrugations and loss of wearing course.
The asphalt surfaced sections were observed to be in good condition, with minor flushing present in
the wheelpaths, as shown in Figure 13. The unsealed shoulders adjacent these sealed sections were
observed to be in good condition, generally graded to fall away from the sealed carriageway and
surfaced with granular material. The shoulders along the remaining length of the road varied greatly in
condition, with some shoulders in excellent condition and others severely eroded.
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Figure 13 Typical condition of asphalt surfacing adjacent property access point
4.3.3 Route B (Barunga Top Road)
Both Barunga Top Road and Hewitt Road are unsealed roads, with Hewitt Road sealed for a short
section (approximately 200 m) adjacent the Wokurna Road junction to provide access to the existing
substation.
The overall pavement condition of the unsealed pavement on Barunga Top Road was observed to be
generally good, with minimal defects identified along its length except for minor corrugations and
potholing at some locations.
Pavement condition on Hewitt Road was found to be poor with major deformations, loss of shape and
loose material. The condition is particularly poor at steeper inclines or where drainage is poor. Figure
14 shows a typical erosion gully on the northern side of Hewitt Road.
Figure 14 Erosion gullies on Hewitt Road
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4.3.4 Route C (Wokurna Road West)
Wokurna Road West is an unsealed road and the overall pavement condition of the unsealed
pavement was observed to be generally good, with some corrugations and potholing identified along
its length, particularly at curves in the road (as shown in Figure 15) and at areas of poor drainage.
Figure 15 Corrugations at curves on Wokurna Road West
4.3.5 Summary
It was identified during the site assessment that the condition of roads varied greatly, with significant
differences in surface condition observed along the same roads. It is noted that unsealed pavements
are more readily impacted by weather, traffic volumes and other factors than a sealed pavement which
may contribute to this variability.
Along the length of unsealed roads, grading is recommended prior to the commencement of
construction haulage activities. In severe areas of potholing and corrugations (such as adjacent
sealed sections), it is recommended that pavement rehabilitation works are also carried out. Upon
completion of the construction period, grading should be undertaken to leave the road in a suitable
condition. During the construction period the condition of the pavement should be assessed regularly,
with regrading undertaken when required.
The small amount of sealed pavement was observed to be in generally good condition, with minimal or
no treatment works expected to be required to maintain the pavement to a suitable condition.
As outlined in section 3 , the majority of traffic movements will be generated during the eight month
construction period, with minimal ongoing traffic generated by operations. Consequently, the
maintenance of roads will only be required during the construction period.
4.4 STORMWATER DRAINAGE
4.4.1 General
Existing drainage facilities along each route have been assessed. Although the site assessment was
undertaken in dry conditions, areas where visible erosion was present were noted and it is
recommended that these areas be monitored closely during the construction period for further
deterioration.
4.4.2 Route A (Wokurna Road East)
A number of culvert crossings were observed to exist along Wokurna Road East. These were
generally found to be in good condition, with headwalls present and erosion control installed adjacent.
However, one culvert (located within one of the sealed sections) was observed to have significant
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pavement damage likely caused by water flow over the road in a significant rainfall event, as shown in
Figure 16 below.
Figure 16 Pavement damage adjacent culvert on Wokurna Road East
A concrete floodway was also encountered along Wokurna Road East, as shown in Figure 17. The
floodway appeared to be wide enough and in good enough condition to support heavy vehicles.
Figure 17 Concrete floodway on Wokurna Road East
4.4.3 Route B (Barunga Top Road)
Barunga Top Road Road was observed to have generally good drainage, with a two way crossfall and
table drains present along both sides of the road for the majority of its length. A typical table drain
section is shown in Figure 18 below. No culvert crossing or floodways were observed on Barunga Top
Road and there was minimal pavement damage observed that could be contributed to poor drainage
(refer to 4.3.3).
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Figure 18 Typical table drain on Barunga Top Road
4.4.4 Route C (Wokurna Road West)
Minimal drainage infrastructure was observed to exist on Wokurna Road West, with some sections of
the road lacking in free drainage, such as shown in Figure 19. The pavement condition within these
sections was generally found to be substandard (refer to 4.3.4). There were some sections of
Wokurna Road East with table drains present, however these were minimal and generally short in
length. No culvert crossing or floodways were observed on Wokurna Road West.
Figure 19 Poor drainage on Wokurna Road West
4.5 JUNCTIONS
4.5.1 General
Junctions to be used by heavy vehicles on each route have been reviewed to identify deficiencies with
the existing arrangements, to assess the suitability of the junctions to accommodate heavy vehicles
and to determine whether any upgrades are required. Factors included as part of the junction
assessment include signage, pavement condition, speed and sight distance. The junction of Wokurna
Road with the proposed access point is applicable to all route options and has been discussed
independently in Section 4.5.4.
Sight distance requirements for the assessed junctions have been based on Austroads Guide to Road
Design, Part 4A: Unsignalised and Signalised Intersections. Approach Sight Distance (ASD) has been
used for the minor road approaches and Safe Intersection Sight Distance (SISD) used for the major
road approaches:
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ASD is the minimum level of sight distance which must be available on the minor road
approaches to all junctions to ensure that drivers are aware of the presence of a junction.
SISD provides sufficient distance for a driver of a vehicle on the major road to observe a
vehicle on a minor road approach moving into a collision situation and to decelerate to a stop
before reaching the collision point.
Based on guidance provided in the Austroads Guide to Road Design, Part 3: Geometric Design and
the ARRB Unsealed Roads Manual, the sight distance requirements shown in Table 4.1 have been
developed and adopted for assessment. A 200 m ASD has been adopted for the unsealed road minor
approaches, based on a design speed of 90km/h and a reaction time of 2.0 seconds (plus 30m for
trucks).
Table 4.1 Sight distance requirements for assessment
Road Type Required SISD Comment
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
260 m Based on a design speed of 90km/h and a reaction time of 2.0 seconds, plus 30m for trucks.
Unsealed Road (No Advisory Signage)
350 m Based on a design speed of 110km/h and a reaction time of 2.0 seconds, plus 30m for trucks.
Sealed Road 100km/h Speed Limit
330 m Based on a design speed of 110km/h and a reaction time of 2.5 seconds
Sealed Road 110km/h Limit with Advisory Signage
330 m Based on a design speed of 120km/h and a reaction time of 2.0 seconds (as the presence of advisory signage will assist in increasing drivers’ awareness).
Sealed Road 110km/h Limit No Advisory Signage
370 m Based on a design speed of 120km/h and a reaction time of 2.5 seconds.
It is noted that in many cases where existing deficiencies have been identified, the issues affect all
road users. Similarly, the recommended upgrades would benefit all road users.
There are also a number of minor roads that intersect with the routes, however due to the low volume
of traffic expected to utilise these intersections, they have not been assessed as part of this report.
4.5.2 Route A (Wokurna Road East)
Intersection of Wokurna Road East with Augusta Highway
The intersection of Wokurna Road East and the Augusta Highway is shown in Figure 14 and consists
of Wokurna Road East meeting Augusta Highway at an approximate 70° angle. Windview Road, a
minor local unsealed road, also meets Augusta Highway at the intersection from the east. Basic Left
Turn (BAL) and Basic Right Turn (BAR) treatments have been applied to Wokurna Road East.
The dominant movements to be produced by the proposed solar farm are also illustrated in Figure 20
below, and consist of left turns from Augusta Highway to Wokurna Road East and right turns to
Augusta Highway from Wokurna Road East.
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Figure 20 Intersection of Wokurna Road East/Augusta Highway
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.2 below.
Table 4.2 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of Wokurna Road East with Augusta Highway
Approach Road Type Meets Requirement
Recommended Treatment
ASD Wokurna Road East
Unsealed Minor Approach Yes N/A
SISD Augusta Highway (Northbound Approach)
Sealed Road 110km/h Limit No Advisory Signage
Yes N/A
SISD Augusta Highway (Southbound Approach)
Sealed Road 110km/h Limit No Advisory Signage
No Treat vegetation to improve sightlines
The SISD on the southbound approach of the Augusta Highway is restricted due to vegetation and a
horizontal curve, and it is recommended that the vegetation is treated to improve sight distance, as
shown in Figure 21 below. In particular, one large tree located approximately 280 m to the north of
the intersection, shown in Figure 22, should be considered for treatment (i.e. trimming) as it restricts
sight on approach to the intersection and is also likely located within the clear zone of the highway.
PRIMARY MOVEMENT FOR SOLAR
FARM N
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Figure 21 Recommended vegetation treatment to improve sight distance
Figure 22 Large tree restricting sight distance on Augusta Highway
In the vicinity of the intersection, Augusta Highway is sealed with approximately 2m wide unsealed
shoulders, with the apron of Wokurna Road sealed up to 100 m on approach to the intersection.
The pavement condition on Wokurna Road at the intersection was observed to be in average
condition during the site assessment with numerous potholes and deformations observed as shown in
Figure 23.
N TREAT VEGETATION
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Figure 23 Pavement condition on Wokurna Road East at intersection with Augusta Highway
The carriageway pavement within the vicinity of the intersection on Augusta Highway was in generally
good condition; however the unsealed shoulder on the eastern side of the intersection was eroded and
clear tyre marks were visible, indicating that turning vehicles from Wokurna Road East are likely often
trafficking the unsealed shoulder when turning right onto the Augusta Highway. This was confirmed
during the site inspection, when a semi-trailer turning right onto Augusta Highway from Wokurna Road
East was observed to traffic the unsealed shoulder before returning to the main carriageway, as
shown in Figure 24.
A BAR treatment could be applied to this shoulder to mitigate this, as illustrated in Figure 25. A BAR
treatment incorporates additional sealing on the shoulder of the major road and would require
approval from DPTI as Augusta Highway is a DPTI operated road. It is noted however that a BAR was
not constructed to allow for wind farm construction traffic (which would have been significantly higher
in heavy vehicle volumes than the traffic to be generated by the solar farm). An alternative to also be
considered would be monitoring the condition of the unsealed shoulder during the construction period
and applying rehabilitation treatments as necessary, such as granular overlays, to maintain safety at
the intersection.
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Figure 24 Semi-trailer trafficking unsealed shoulder on Augusta Highway
Figure 25 Example BAR treatment (Source: AGRD4A: Unsignalised and Signalised Intersections)
Route B (Barunga Top Road) Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Barunga Gap Road
The intersection of Barunga Top Road and Barunga Gap Road is shown in Figure 26. Landslide Road,
a minor local road, also meets Barunga Gap Road at the intersection from the south.
The dominant movements to be produced by the proposed solar farm are also illustrated in Figure 26
below, and consist of right turns from Barunga Gap Road to Barunga Top Road and left turns to
Barunga Gap Road from Barunga Top Road.
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Figure 26 Intersection of Barunga Top Road/Barunga Gap Road
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.3 below.
Table 4.3 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of Wokurna Road East with Augusta Highway
Approach Road Type Meets Requirement
Recommended Treatment
ASD Barunga Top Road
Unsealed Minor Approach Yes N/A
SISD Barunga Gap Road (Western Approach)
Sealed Road 110km/h Limit No Advisory Signage
No (vertical curve limits sight distance approx to 270 m)
Trim vegetation
SISD Barunga Gap Road (Eastern Approach)
Sealed Road 110km/h Limit No Advisory Signage
No (vertical curve limits sight distance approx to 270 m)
Install junction warning signs
The SISD on the westbound approach of Barunga Gap Road to the junction is restricted due to a
vertical curve. To improve the safety of the intersection, it is therefore recommended that junction
warning signs be installed on this approach to warn motorists of the upcoming junction. The
eastbound approach of Barunga Gap Road to the intersection is restricted due to vegetation and a
horizontal curve, and it is recommended that the vegetation is treated to improve sight distance, as
shown in Figure 27 below. It is noted however that this vegetation would have been in place during
construction of the wind farm (which generated significantly higher vehicle volumes than the proposed
development).
PRIMARY MOVEMENT FOR SOLAR
FARM
N
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Figure 27 Recommended vegetation treatment to improve sight distance
Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Wokurna Road
The intersection of Barunga Top Road and Wokurna Road is shown in Figure 28 and consists of a
four-way intersection (with Wokurna Road the major road with right of way). The dominant
movements to be produced by the proposed solar farm are also illustrated in Figure 28 below, and
consist of right turns from Barunga Top Road to Wokurna Road East and left turns to Barunga Top
Road from Wokurna Road East.
Figure 28 Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Wokurna Road
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.4 below.
TREAT VEGETATION N
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Table 4.4 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of Barunga Top Road with Wokurna Road
The SISD on the eastbound approach to the intersection on Wokurna Road West does not meet the
requirements due to a vertical curve which results in a crest approximately 80 m from the intersection.
In order to increase this sight distance, remedial works would be required which is likely to be very
costly. Although the ASD on the southbound approach to the intersection on Barunga Top Road
meets the requirements, it is recommended that vegetation is trimmed to increase visibility of
movements on Wokurna Road East (as this will be the dominant movement generated by the solar
farm). The vegetation in question is shown in Figure 29. It is noted however that this vegetation
would have been in place during construction of the wind farm (which generated significantly higher
vehicle volumes than the proposed development).
Figure 29 Recommended vegetation treatment to improve sight distance
Infrastructure (fencing etc.) located on the south eastern corner of the intersection, shown in Figure 30
is also expected to cause issues with turning movements of heavy vehicles, and may need to be
REMOVE/TRIM VEGETATION N
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removed/relocated. The pavement condition was also observed to be poor, as can also be seen in
Figure 30.
Figure 30 Infrastructure on south eastern corner of intersection
Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Hewitt Road
The intersection of Barunga Top Road and Hewitt Road is shown in Figure 31 and consists of Y-
junction arrangement at an approximate 70 degree angle. The dominant movements to be produced
by the proposed solar farm are also illustrated in Figure 31 below, and consist of right turns from
Barunga Top Road to Hewitt Road and left turns to Barunga Top Road from Hewitt Road.
Figure 31 Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Hewitt Road
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.2 below.
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Table 4.5 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of Barunga Top Road with Hewitt Road
Approach Road Type Meets Requirement
Recommended Treatment
ASD Hewitt Road Unsealed Minor Approach Yes N/A
SISD Barunga Top Road (Southern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
Yes N/A
SISD Barunga Top Road (Northern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
Yes N/A
The pavement at this location was observed to be in poor condition, as shown in Figure 32, and it is
recommended that rehabilitation treatment be applied to improve the pavement to improve safety at
the junction.
Figure 32 Poor pavement condition
Intersection of Hewitt Road with Wokurna Road
The intersection of Hewitt Road and Wokurna Road is shown in Figure 33 and consists of Y-junction
arrangement at an approximate 60 degree angle.
The dominant movements to be produced by the proposed solar farm are also illustrated in Figure 33
below, and consist of right turns from Wokurna Road to Hewitt Road and left turns to Wokurna Road
from Wokurna Road.
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Figure 33 Intersection of Hewitt Road with Wokurna Road
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.6 below.
Table 4.6 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of Hewitt Road with Wokurna Road
Approach Road Type Meets Requirement
Recommended Treatment
ASD Hewitt Road Unsealed Minor Approach No Trim vegetation on corner to improve sight lines.
SISD Wokurna Road (Southern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
Yes
SISD Wokurna Road (Northern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
Yes
The ASD on the Hewitt Road approach to the intersection is approximately 20m and does not meet
the requirements. It is recommended that vegetation be trimmed to improve this sight distance.
4.5.3 Route C (Wokurna Road West)
Intersection of Upper Yorke Road with Wokurna Road West (Cream Puff Corner)
The intersection of Wokurna Road West and Upper Yorke Road, colloquially known as ‘Cream Puff
Corner’, is shown in Figure 34 and consists of a four-way intersection with another minor road, Youngs
Road, to the west. A rest area with some historical information displayed is located on the south
eastern corner of the intersection.
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The dominant movements to be produced by the proposed solar farm are also illustrated in Figure 34
below, and consist of right turns from Upper Yorke Road to Wokurna Road West and left turns to
Upper Yorke Road from Wokurna Road West.
Figure 34 Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Wokurna Road
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.7 below.
Table 4.7 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of Barunga Top Road with Wokurna Road
Approach Road Type Meets Requirement
Recommended Treatment
ASD Wokurna Road (Eastern Approach)
Unsealed Minor Approach No Road realignment (not recommended due to cost)
ASD Youngs Road (Western Approach)
Unsealed Minor Approach No Road realignment (not recommended due to cost)
SISD Upper Yorkes Road (Southern Approach)
Sealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
No Road realignment (not recommended due to cost).
Trim vegetation.
SISD Barunga Top Road (Northern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
No Road realignment (not recommended due to cost).
Trim vegetation.
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The required SISDs and ASDs are not met on any of the approaches to the intersection, with the ASD
on Youngs Road and Wokurna Road West restricted by vertical curves and the SISD on both Upper
Yorke Road approaches restricted due to horizontal and vertical curves.
Figure 35 and Figure 36 show the limited sight distance on Upper Yorkes Road at the southern and
northern approaches, respectively. It is recommended that vegetation be treated (trimmed or
removed) on these approaches to improve sight distance.
Figure 35 View towards the south from Wokurna Road West
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.
Figure 36 View towards the north from Wokurna Road West
Intersection of Barunga Top Road with Wokurna Road
Refer to Section 4.5.3.
4.5.4 Junction of Wokurna Road with Proposed Solar Farm Access
The proposed location of the solar farm access point on Wokurna Road is shown in Figure 37. The
dominant movements to be produced by the proposed solar farm will depend on the route option
chosen, and could be either to the east or to the west.
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Figure 37 Intersection of proposed solar farm access with Wokurna Road
The junction site distance has been assessed, with findings summarised in Table 4.8 below.
Table 4.8 Junction sight distance summary – intersection of proposed solar farm access with Wokurna Road
Approach Road Type Meets Requirement
Recommended Treatment
SISD Wokurna Road (Southern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
Yes N/A
SISD Wokurna Road (Northern Approach)
Unsealed Road (With Advisory Signage)
Yes N/A
It can be seen in Table 4.8 above that the proposed access point location is expected to result in
compliant sight distances. This is further illustrated in Figure 38 and Figure 39 below.
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Figure 38 View toward the West from the proposed access point on Wokurna Road
Figure 39 View toward the East from the proposed access point on Wokurna Road
The width of Wokurna Road in this location is approximately 10 m, which is considered sufficient to
allow for turning movements of heavy vehicles accessing the site (provided a sufficiently wide gate is
installed), and the pavement appears in good condition. It should be noted however that the screwing
movements generated by the turning heavy vehicles may result in pavement deterioration and the
pavement should be monitored to ensure it remains in trafficable condition. A seal may need to be
placed to further mitigate this if required.
The proposed access point should be placed to avoid existing infrastructure in the vicinity of the gate,
including underground communications cables, as shown in Figure 40.
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Figure 40 Existing services in vicinity of proposed access point
4.5.5 Summary
The junctions located within the proposed route options all vary with regard to condition and sight
distance, with all having at least one non-compliant approach (with the exception of the intersection of
Barunga Top Road and Hewitt Road). Various treatments are recommended to remedy this, with the
majority consisting of vegetation trimming or removal.
4.6 GENERAL NETWORK ISSUES
In addition to the route specific issues discussed above, it is anticipated that a number of potential
issues will affect all of the assessed roads. The following issues are considered to apply to all of the
assessed roads that will be used for construction haulage. For each issue, a recommended treatment
has been proposed.
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Table 4.9 General network issues
Issue Description Recommended Treatment
Impact on Local Residents
It is noted that domestic property accesses are present on the majority of the assessed roads. The volume of heavy vehicles using the routes during harvesting periods may impact upon local residents.
It is recommended that local residents are consulted in advance of all haulage activities, with further communication prior to commencement on specific roads.
Environmental Impact During dry periods, airborne dust may be generated by heavy vehicles using unsealed roads, creating an environmental hazard.
During dry periods, it is recommended that a water truck is employed on haulage routes to dampen the surface and reduce the creation of airborne dust.
It is recommended that an environmental policy is developed for haulage operations. The policy should outline measures to be implemented to minimise the environmental impact of haulage operations.
Environmental Impact Noise generated by the projected heavy vehicle volumes may impact upon local residents.
It is proposed that haulage will only be undertaken during daylight hours. This arrangement will assist in minimising disruption outside of those periods.
It is recommended that an environmental policy is developed for haulage operations. The policy should outline measures to be implemented to minimise the environmental impact of haulage operations.
Native Vegetation Impact
At a number of locations on the majority of the assessed roads, vegetation was observed to overhang the roadway. While the level of encroachment was typically not sufficient to impact upon light vehicle movements, it is anticipated that heavy vehicles may collide with overhanging vegetation.
On all roads, it is recommended that vegetation is treated as required to maintain clearances and sight lines. It is noted, however, that native vegetation may be impacted by the trimming. In areas where native vegetation is impacted, it is recommended that the level of trimming is minimised. Consultation with Council would assist in identifying native species and determining a suitable level of trimming.
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Issue Description Recommended Treatment
Agricultural Interaction
It is possible that occasionally agricultural machinery and livestock may be transported across the proposed routes. The movement of livestock in particular is likely to hinder through traffic due to the time required to herd animals.
Those in charge of animals are responsible for ensuring a reasonable standard of care for the animals, including warning other road users of the hazard. The Government of South Australia document Guidelines for Using Stock on Road Signs outlines correct use of road signs to alert drivers to the presence of livestock on roads. It is noted that use of the signs does not place any legal requirement on drivers.
The use of “Stock on Road” signage and adherence to the Guidelines by stock managers assists in alerting drivers to the presence of animals on the road. While there is no legal requirement for the use of signs, their use by local farmers should be encouraged, as the increase in traffic volumes resulting from construction will increase the likelihood of interaction between vehicles and livestock.
To account for incidences where signage is not used by farmers, haulage drivers should be educated as to the hazards posed by stock on roads and instructed to drive accordingly. Driver awareness of the issue would assist in improving safety.
Roadway Advance Warning
During the construction period, heavy vehicle volumes on the access roads will be increased. As roads will also be used by local residents and potentially some tourists, it is recommended that advance warning methods are implemented to alert drivers to the presence of heavy vehicles.
On-Road Warning
It is considered that a portable variable message sign (VMS) would be suitable for providing advance warning on operational haulage routes. The VMS should be placed at junctions with major roads. The display should warn of heavy vehicles using the road and hours of operation. In addition to the VMS, temporary signage could be placed at the proposed solar farm access points during the construction period. It is considered that the use of VMS and signage at the access points will assist in improving safety for all road users during the construction period.
Websites / Social Media
Council’s website and social media pages could be used to provide advance warning of construction haulage operations. Provision of advance notice would assist in improving safety, as car drivers would anticipate encounters with heavy vehicles.
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5 ROUTE OPTION ASSESSMENT
5.1 ROUTE ASSESSMENT
A summary of each of the routes assessed is shown in Table 5.1 below, along with advantages and
disadvantages of each route. The table also includes a summary of the distance and journey time to
the proposed Solar Farm, which has been measured from the township of Port Wakefield using
Google Maps.
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Table 5.1 Route option assessment summary
Section Reference
Route A (Wokurna Road East) Route B (Barunga Top Road) Route C (Wokurna Road West)
Distance / Journey Time from Pt Wakefield
(means to start of Route)
- 61.2 km (43 minutes)
(via Augusta Highway)
73.6 km (55 minutes)
(via Augusta Highway, Barunga Gap Road)
76.8 km (58 minutes)
(via Augusta Highway, Copper Coast Highway, Upper Yorke Road)
Pavement Type - Unsealed
Sealed sections adjacent property accesses
Unsealed
Small sealed section on Hewitt Road adjacent substation access
Unsealed
Increase in Traffic During Construction Period
3.3 Augusta Highway
1.0% (AADT)
0.0% (%HV)
Wokurna East Road
116% (AADT)
0% (%HV)
Barunga Gap Road
8% (AADT)
0% (%HV)
Barunga Top Road
142% (AADT)
5% (%HV)
Upper Yorke Road
6% (AADT)
0% (%HV)
Wokurna Road West
28% (AADT)
1% (%HV)
Pavement Condition
4.3 Moderate Moderate-Good (Barunga Top Road)
Poor (Hewitt Road)
Moderate
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Section Reference
Route A (Wokurna Road East) Route B (Barunga Top Road) Route C (Wokurna Road West)
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Section Reference
Route A (Wokurna Road East) Route B (Barunga Top Road) Route C (Wokurna Road West)
Advantages - • Quickest travel time and shortest travel distance from Port Wakefield
• Minimal pavement rehabilitation works
• Least amount of resident accesses impacted – dust mitigation measures already in place
• Good signage and infrastructure (guard rails etc) present
• Relatively consistent flat grade
• Minimal pavement rehabilitation works on Barunga Top Road
• Relatively consistent flat grade
• Minimal pavement rehabilitation works
Disadvantages - • Intersection remedial works may be costly (shoulder treatment)
• Relatively steep gradient at locations
• Inadequate sight lines at major intersections requiring significant works
• Hewitt Road has poor geometrics and has a poor pavement condition
• Route passes through children’s bus stop and past multiple property accessed
• Inadequate sight lines at major intersections requiring significant works
• Poor drainage infrastructure
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5.2 PREFERRED ROUTE
Based on the assessments of each of the proposed routes, Route A (Wokurna Road East) is
considered to be the most suitable for access to the proposed solar farm. It results in the shortest
travel time and distance, connects to a gazetted road train route and impacts the least amount of
properties. It also already has infrastructure in place that supports the use of heavy vehicles on the
road, such as sealed sections adjacent property access points, good signage and formal drainage
infrastructure.
It is recommended that the following issues are addressed prior to its adoption as the primary haulage
routes:
• Vegetation treatment and pavement remedial works, including consideration of shoulder treatment at the intersection with Augusta Highway (refer to Section 4.5.2 above)
• Pavement remedial works, including grading and localised rehabilitation works along the length of Wokurna Road East. These works should be particularly focussed toward the western end where the gradient increases.
• Trimming of overhanging vegetation on Wokurna Road East to facilitate heavy vehicle movements (refer to Section 4.2.5 above)
• Consultation with local residents to reduce impact of the construction period on the community
• Signage and advanced notice of haulage operations to advise motorists of increase in heavy vehicles
The second most appropriate route is considered to be Route B (Barunga Top Road), utilising the
Hewitt Road to access the proposed solar farm access point. It should be noted that there will be a
number of works required to make this a viable option, including reconstruction of Hewitt Road and
intersection upgrades at the junction with Barunga Gap Road. It is recommended that the intersection
of Wokurna Road and Barunga Top Road is avoided due to its poor sight distances, pavement
condition and roadside hazards.
Route C (Wokurna Road West) is considered the most unsuitable, given the fact that it passes through
the township of Wokurna, would require costly remedial works at the intersection of Upper Yorke Road
and Wokurna Road and would require heavy vehicles to utilise the intersection of Wokurna Road and
Barunga Gap Road.
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6 SUMMARY
6.1 GENERAL
Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA) has been engaged by Tilt Renewables to undertake a traffic impact
and route assessment for a proposed solar farm to be located near Snowtown, South Australia. The
purpose of the assessment is to examine the condition of the existing road network and its suitability
to accommodate heavy vehicle movements.
Three potential routes have been identified that link the proposed site of the solar farm to gazetted B-
double routes, illustrated in Figure 41 below, utilising local unsealed roads to access the proposed
site.
Figure 41 Route options to proposed solar farm
6.2 IMPACT ON TRAFFIC
Based on traffic volumes provided by Tilt Renewables, traffic generated by the solar farm will have a
negligible impact on traffic volumes on DPTI operated roads (Augusta Highway, Barunga Gap Road
B-DOUBLE
ROAD TRAIN
PROPOSED
SOLAR FARM
ROUTE A –
WOKURNA ROAD
EAST
ROUTE B – BARUNGA
TOP ROAD
ROUTE C – WOKURNA
ROAD WEST
N
AU
GU
ST
A H
IGH
WA
Y
47 WGA Snowtown North Energy Solar Farm Job No. ADL170617 / 0
and Upper Yorke Rod), with the maximum increase in AADT equivalent to 8% (Barunga Gap Road
during construction).
During the construction period, Barunga Top Road would be most affected by the increase in traffic
volumes due to the solar farm construction, resulting in a 142% increase in AADT and a 5% increase
in the percentage of heavy vehicles, followed by Wokurna Road East and then Wokurna Road West.
Although the traffic volumes and percentage of heavy vehicles will increase on these roads if solar
farm traffic was to utilise them during construction, the total additional vehicles to utilise the roads is in
the order of 25 light vehicles and 4 heavy vehicles per day for eight months and is unlikely to cause
additional damage to the road or inconvenience to local residents. Based on the historical traffic
counts, the traffic volume generated is considerably less than that generated by the wind farm
construction period. The increase on all roads during the operational period is considered negligible
due to the small volume of traffic generated.
6.3 PREFERRED ROUTE
Each route was assessed for suitability as the preferred route for haulage, with the following items
assessed:
• Road Geometry
• Pavement Condition
• Stormwater Drainage
• Junctions
Based on the assessments of each of the proposed routes, Route A (Wokurna Road East) is
considered to be the most suitable for access to the proposed solar farm. It results in the shortest
travel time and distance, connects to a gazetted road train route and impact the least amount of
properties. It also already has infrastructure in place that supports the use of heavy vehicles on the
road, such as sealed sections adjacent property access points, good signage and drainage
infrastructure.
It is recommended that the following issues are addressed prior to its adoption as the primary haulage
routes:
• Vegetation treatment and pavement remedial works, including consideration of shoulder treatment at the intersection with Augusta Highway
• Pavement remedial works, including grading and localised rehabilitation works along the length of Wokurna Road East. These works should be particularly focussed toward the western end where the gradient increases.
• Trimming of overhanging vegetation on Wokurna Road East to facilitate heavy vehicle movements
• Consultation with local residents to reduce impact of the construction period on the community
• Signage and advanced notice of haulage operations to advise motorists of increase in heavy vehicles
In addition to the items above, it is recommended that the following items are considered when
constructing the proposed solar farm access point on Wokurna Road:
• Pavement remediation/sealing to mitigate the damage to pavement from scewing tyres of heavy vehicles
• Avoidance of existing infrastructure in the vicinity of the gate, including underground communications cables
48 WGA Snowtown North Energy Solar Farm Job No. ADL170617 / 0
7 REFERENCES
• Austroads, 2009. Guide to Road Design, Part 3: Geometric Design
• Austroads, 2009. Guide to Road Design, Part 4A: Unsignalised and Signalised Intersections
• ARRB Group, 2009. Unsealed Roads Manual, Guidelines to Good Practice 3rd
Edition
• DPTI, 2105. Operational Instruction 4.10: Maximum 80 km/h Advisory Sign on Unsealed Roads
• Standards Australia, 2009. Australian Standard 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Part 2: Traffic Control Devices for General Use
49 WGA Snowtown North Energy Solar Farm Job No. ADL170617 / 0
APPENDIX A
TRAFFIC VOLUMES
50 WGA Snowtown North Energy Solar Farm Job No. ADL170617 / 0
ROAD NAME FROM TO DAY
S
NO. OF
VEHICLE
S
AVE.
PER
DAY % HEAVY
VEHICLES
BARUNGA TOP ROAD
3 x 2 week surveys -
unknown locations 2003 2003 35 811 23 7.00%
200m north of Wokurna
Rd 6/07/2006 25/06/2006 19 291 15 16.80%
200m south of Wokurna
Rd 6/07/2006 25/06/2006 19 309 16 6.40%
200m north of School
Corner Rd 12/02/2009 26/02/2009 14 594 42 23.20%
200m north Wokurna
Rd 12/02/2009 26/02/2009 14 263 19 11.40%
200m south of Wokurna
Rd 24/09/2009 8/10/2009 14 253 18 7.10%
200m north of Ireland
Rd 24/03/2011 7/04/2011 14 256 18 52.30%
between Wokurna Rd
to Ireland Rd 10/05/2013 31/05/2013 14 1605 115 14.80%
atropurpurea (Pincushion) and *Phalaris sp. (Phalaris). Along Barunga Gap Road to the north of the
Davidson project area the vegetation is described as Eucalyptus porosa +/- Eucalyptus odorata low
woodland over Acacia sp., Senna artemisioides ssp. shrubs over Rhagodia parabolica, Austrostipa sp.
and *Avena barbata.
Although the E. porosa Mallee/Woodland along the roadsides is fragmented and considered of poor
condition, the conservation significance of the vegetation was rated as high, given the lack of
representation of this community across the landscape (DEWNR 2017a).
The results of these surveys have been considered in the preparation of this report.
3.4 Administrative boundaries
The project area is located within the Wakefield Regional Council. The development plan zone category
is Primary Production – Mining for the Jamison site and initial project area, and Primary Production for
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
16
the Davidson site and transmission route. The Davidson site falls within the Hundred of Cameron and the
Jamison site within the Hundred of Barunga.
The project area falls within the Lower and Mid North Natural Resources Management (NRM) District,
within the Northern and Yorke NRM Region.
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
17
4 METHODS
4.1 Desktop assessment
A desktop assessment was undertaken to identify the degree of ecological sensitivity that may be
associated with the project. The desktop assessment included:
Database searches (EPBC Protected Matters, Biological Databases of South Australia, Atlas of
Living Australia) for the project area;
Review of existing biological surveys undertaken in the area;
Review of previous EBS survey results and vegetation mapping for the Snowtown area;
Review of existing mapping data (vegetation communities, vegetation condition and aerial
photographs);
Review of existing information on flora and fauna species likely to occur in the area, and
Research into threatened species that may occur in the area.
The likelihood of the occurrence of threatened species was assessed based on the species’ habitat
requirements, proximity to known records, date of last sightings and availability of potential habitat within
the project area. A specific BDBSA search was not done for the Jamison site, but a 5km Atlas of Living
Australia (ALA) search was undertaken. This site comprises cropping and very narrow degraded areas of
roadside grassland that should not be impacted therefore a separate BDBSA search was not
undertaken.
4.2 Field survey
A field survey was undertaken on 26 April 2017 to ground truth and confirm the outcomes and findings of
the desktop assessment, and address any identified gaps in the information. Key elements of the field
assessment included:
Collecting vegetation data as per the requirements under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. This
included recording vegetation associations and scattered trees, flora species present, vegetation
condition (as per Table 2), locations of threatened flora species (if present), determining the
location of areas which should be avoided and identifying areas of weed infestations;
Identifying flora species of national, state or local conservation significance known or likely to
occur in the area and detailing possible impacts.
Undertaking a fauna assessment to determine if any native fauna of national, state or local
conservation significance/or significant fauna habitat may be impacted by the proposed works.
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
18
Table 2. Assessment criteria for the condition of vegetation communities.
Condition SEB ratio
% indigenous
cover
Overstorey condition description
Understorey condition description
Indicators NVC Interim Policy (1.2.11)
Very Poor 0:1 <10% No overstorey stratum remaining. Complete destruction of indigenous understorey* (by grazing &/or introduced plants).
Vegetation structure no longer intact (e.g. removal of one or more vegetation strata). Scope for regeneration, but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management. Dominated by very aggressive weeds. Partial or extensive clearing (> 50% of area). Evidence of heavy grazing (tracks, browse lines, species changes, complete depletion of soil surface crust).
Where proposed clearance is considered to be minor and of limited biodiversity impact, e.g. lopping of overhanging limbs only or minor clearance of shrubs in areas otherwise considered as highly disturbed.
1:1 10-19% Scattered trees in poor health and/or representing an immature stand.
Almost complete destruction of indigenous understorey* (by grazing &/or introduced plants) - reduced to scattered clumps and individual plants.
Where proposed clearance is in areas dominated by introduced species, the area of native vegetation is largely reduced to scattered trees, indigenous understorey reduced to scattered clumps and individual plants.
2:1 20-29% Scattered trees either immature in good health or mature in poor/moderate health. Alternatively, the dominant overstorey stratum is largely intact and is an immature stand (or regrowth), and is generally in poor health.
Poor 3:1 30-39% Dominant overstorey stratum is largely intact and is a moderately healthy mature stand.
Heavy loss of native plant species (by grazing &/or introduced plants). The understorey* consists predominately of alien species, although a small number of natives persist.
Vegetation structure substantially altered (e.g. one or more vegetation strata depleted). Retains basic vegetation structure or the ability to regenerate it. Very obvious signs of long-term or severe disturbance. Weed dominated with some very aggressive weeds. Partial clearing (10 – 50% of area). Evidence of moderate grazing (tracks, browse lines, soil surface crust extensively broken).
Where the proposed clearance is of mostly intact overstorey vegetation but there is still considerable weed infestation amongst the understorey flora.
4:1 40-49% Dominant overstorey stratum is largely intact and is a healthy mature stand with high wildlife habitat value (e.g. hollows).
Moderate 5:1 50-59% Dominant overstorey stratum is largely intact – any condition+
Moderate loss of native understorey diversity. Weed-free areas small. Substantial invasion of aliens resulting in significant competition, but native
Vegetation structure altered (e.g. one or more vegetation strata depleted). Most seed sources available to regenerate original structure.
Where the proposed clearance is of mostly intact overstorey vegetation with moderate but not severe weed infestation amongst the understorey flora.
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
19
Condition SEB ratio
% indigenous
cover
Overstorey condition description
Understorey condition description
Indicators NVC Interim Policy (1.2.11)
understorey* persists; for example, may be a low proportion of native species and a high native cover, or a high proportion of native species and low native cover.
Obvious signs of disturbance (e.g. tracks, bare ground). Minor clearing (<10% of area). Considerable weed infestation with some aggressive weeds. Evidence of some grazing (tracks, soil surface crust patchy).
Clearance is not seriously at variance with the Principles.
6:1 60-69% Dominant overstorey stratum is largely intact – any condition+
Moderate but not severe weed infestation amongst the understorey flora.
Good 7:1 70-79% Original overstorey stratum is still dominant and intact – any condition+
Understorey only slightly modified. High proportion of native species and native cover in the understorey*; reasonable representation of probable pre-European vegetation.
Vegetation structure intact (e.g. all strata intact). Disturbance minor, only affecting individual species. Only non-aggressive weeds present. Some litter build-up.
Where the proposed clearance is of mostly intact overstorey and understorey vegetation, weed infestation is moderate to low, but the original vegetation is still dominant. Clearance is assessed by the NVC to be at variance with the Principles.
8:1 80-89% Original overstorey stratum is still dominant and intact – any condition+
Understorey only slightly modified. High proportion of native species and native cover in the understorey*; reasonable representation of probable pre-European vegetation.
Excellent
9:1 > 89%
Original vegetation is still dominant and intact. Overstorey individuals in good condition and represent a mature stand.
Diverse vegetation with very little weed infestation.Understorey largely undisturbed, minimal loss of plant species diversity. Very little or no sign of alien vegetation in the understorey*; resembles probable pre-European condition.
All strata intact and botanical composition close to original. Little or no signs of disturbance. Little or no weed infestation.
Where the proposed clearance is of diverse vegetation with very little weed infestation. Clearance is assessed by the NVC to be seriously at variance with the Principles.
10:1 Original vegetation is still dominant and intact. Overstorey individuals in good condition and represent a mature stand, with high habitat value (e.g. hollows).
* Or all strata if the upper and lower strata are difficult to distinguish. + Ratio assessment will largely depend upon condition of understorey associated with an intact overstorey stratum. Adapted from Guide to Roadside Vegetation Survey Methodology for South Australia (Stokes et al. 1998) and Guidelines for a Native Vegetation Significant Environmental Benefit Policy (DWLBC 2005).
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
20
4.3 Limitations
The findings and conclusions expressed by EBS Ecology are based solely upon information in existence
at the time of the assessment. Field data collected during the survey, combined with desktop research, is
considered to provide an adequately detailed assessment of the flora and fauna that occur and are likely
to occur within the project area.
Existing flora and fauna records were sourced from the Biological Database of South Australia (BDBSA)
and Atlas of Living Australia (ALA). The BDBSA only includes verified flora and fauna records submitted
to DEWNR or partner organisations. Although much of the BDBSA data has been through a variety of
validation processes, the lists may contain errors and should be used with caution. DEWNR give no
warranty that the data is accurate or fit for any particular purpose of the user or any person to whom the
user discloses the information. It is recognised that knowledge is poorly captured in the BDBSA.
Consequently there is uncertainty in relation to the status of species, and additional species may occur
that are not reflected by database records. The spatial precision of the BDBSA data varies hence the
location of mapped BDBSA records may not reflect their true location.
The BDBSA data extract did not cover the degraded Jamison site. Given this site was mainly cropped, it
was deemed unlikely that threatened flora species would be present.
4.3.1 Flora
All visible native species were recorded during the autumn survey. At this time, annual herbaceous
species, native orchids and some native grasses (if present) may have gone undetected e.g. if they were
dormant, inconspicuous or lacked distinguishable features. This limitation, whilst recognised, can be said
for any chosen survey period. The species recorded provides the best possible representation of species
composition of each vegetation community at the time of the survey.
4.3.2 Fauna
Fauna survey was limited to opportune observations (sighted or heard, tracks and traces). A general
assessment was conducted of the fauna habitat and potential fauna utilisation of the project area.
The information obtained from this survey and database records represent limited fauna survey effort
over small snapshots in time. Additional species would be present, many of which would only be
detected through targeted survey.
The assessment of likelihood of occurrence of threatened fauna species is considered adequately
detailed to evaluate the potential impact of the project on the most at risk fauna species. Further,
potential habitats of significant fauna species are discussed.
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
21
5 RESULTS
5.1 Surveyed vegetation associations
Four broad vegetation associations were described for the survey area (Table 3) with descriptions
provided in detail below. The total area and condition of each vegetation association is summarised in
Table 3. The client requested that a wide buffer (up to 50 m) be surveyed. However, most areas where
native vegetation is highlighted will not be impacted.
Most of the solar infrastructure area was under crop with little native vegetation. Native vegetation
generally comprised linear patches and the majority was located near the transmission line route,
particularly near the old railway corridor, the cemetery and on roadsides. The mallee vegetation along
the rail line within the transmission route was in moderate condition with an intact overstorey and a
decent diversity of native species in the understorey.
A total of 60 flora species were recorded, including 20 exotic flora species (see Appendix 2).
Table 3. Overall summary of vegetation associations.
Vegetation association
Total Area Condition
Ratio range
Association 1: Native grassland 11.34 ha 0:1-4:1
Association 2: Exotic grassland +/- scattered native species
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CE, Mi V 1 Unlikely
Pandion haliaetus Osprey Mi E 1 Unlikely
Pedionomus torquatus Plains-wanderer CE E 1 Unlikely
Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe EN V 1 Unlikely
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Mi 1 Unlikely
Plants
Caladenia gladiolata Bayonet Spider-orchid EN E 1 Unlikely
Caladenia macroclavia Large-club Spider-orchid EN E 1 Unlikely
Caladenia tensa Greencomb Spider-orchid EN 1 Unlikely
Caladenia woolcockiorum Woolcock's Spider-orchid VU E 1 Unlikely
Caladenia xantholeuca White Rabbits EN E 1 Unlikely
Eremophila subfloccosa ssp. glandulosa Green-flower Emubush R 2 1971 Unlikely
Maireana excavata Bottle Fissure-plant V 2 1966 Possible
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
37
Scientific name Common name Conservation status Source of
information
Last sighting
(year)
Likelihood of occurrence within
project area Aus SA
Maireana rohrlachii Rohrlach's Bluebush R R 2 1966 Unlikely
Olearia pannosa subsp. pannosa Silver Daisy-bush VU V 1 Unlikely
Prasophyllum validum Sturdy Leek-orchid VU V 1 Unlikely
Pterostylis lepida Halbury Greenhood EN E 1 Unlikely
Swainsona pyrophila Yellow Swainson-pea VU R 1 Unlikely
Thysanotus tenellus Grassy Fringe-lily R 2 1966
Possible – native grassland areas
Wurmbea latifolia ssp. latifolia Broad-leaf Nancy
V 2 1978
Possible – areas of better condition grassland/mallee
Reptiles
Aprasia pseudopulchella Flinders Ranges Worm-lizard VU 1
Possible – areas with undisturbed surface rock/leaf litter
Tiliqua adelaidensis Pygmy Blue-tongue Lizard EN E 1 Unlikely
Conservation status
Aus: Australia (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). SA: South Australia (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972). Conservation Codes: CE: Critically
Endangered. EN/E: Endangered. VU/V: Vulnerable. R: Rare. ssp.: the conservation status applies at the sub-species level. An asterisk denotes ratings that need to be qualified for a variety of reasons, such as changes to taxonomy or nomenclature since listing or because a species assessed as 'presumed extinct' had to be listed under the Endangered category. Further details are available from the Vascular Plant Metadata document on the DEWNR website.
Source of Information
1. EPBC Act Protected Matters Report (DOEE 2017) – 1 km buffer applied to project area.
2. Biological Database of South Australia data extract (DEWNR 2017c) - 10 km buffer applied to project area (* note that data search did not include Jamison site).
Eremophila longifolia Weeping Emubush MYOPORACEAE T N
Eucalyptus cladocalyx ssp. Sugar Gum MYRTACEAE N
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. South Australian Blue Gum MYRTACEAE T
Eucalyptus porosa Mallee Box MYRTACEAE 4
* Euphorbia terracina False Caper EUPHORBIACEAE T
Haloragis aspera Rough Raspwort HALORAGACEAE N
Heliotropium europaeum Common Heliotrope BORAGINACEAE 1 1 T
* Hypochaeris radicata Rough Cat's Ear COMPOSITAE T 1
Lepidium sp. Peppercress CRUCIFERAE T
Snowtown Solar Farm Flora and Fauna Assessment
51
* Scientific name Common name Family Conservation status Vegetation association
Aus SA 1 2 3 4
Lepidosperma viscidum Sticky Sword-sedge CYPERACEAE T
Lomandra effusa Scented Mat-rush LILIACEAE T T
Lomandra multiflora ssp. dura Hard Mat-rush LILIACEAE T
* Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn SOLANACEAE N N
Maireana brevifolia Short-leaf Bluebush CHENOPODIACEAE T 1
Maireana turbinata Top-fruit Bluebush CHENOPODIACEAE N
* Malva sp. Mallow MALVACEAE 1 N
* Marrubium vulgare Horehound LABIATAE N T T
Melaleuca lanceolata Dryland Tea-tree MYRTACEAE N N
* Panicum sp. Panic/Millet GRAMINEAE T T 1
* Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet GRAMINEAE T 1 N
Pittosporum angustifolium Native Apricot PITTOSPORACEAE N
Rytidosperma sp. GRAMINEAE 1
Salsola australis Buckbush CHENOPODIACEAE N T
* Salvia verbenaca var. Wild Sage LABIATAE T
* Schinus molle Pepper-tree ANACARDIACEAE N
Senna artemisioides ssp. petiolaris LEGUMINOSAE T
Senna artemisioides ssp. X artemisioides Silver Senna LEGUMINOSAE
1
Senna artemisioides ssp. X coriacea Broad-leaf Desert Senna LEGUMINOSAE
1
Sida corrugata var. Corrugated Sida MALVACEAE N
Solanum esuriale Quena SOLANACEAE T T
* Solanum sp. Nightshade/Potato-bush SOLANACEAE 1 T T
* Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle COMPOSITAE 1 1
Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass GRAMINEAE 1
* Tribulus terrestris Caltrop ZYGOPHYLLACEAE T
Vittadinia blackii Narrow-leaf New Holland Daisy COMPOSITAE T
Vittadinia gracilis Woolly New Holland Daisy COMPOSITAE N
* Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr COMPOSITAE T T
Aus: Australia (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). SA: South Australia (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972). Conservation codes: CE: Critically
EBS Ecology 3/119 Hayward Avenue Torrensville, SA 5031 www.ebsecology.com.au t. 08 7127 5607 f. 08 8352 1222
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- PLANNING REPORT
23 November 2017 Report No. 1671306-006-R-Rev4
APPENDIX D Surface Water Strategy
Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd 28th June 2017 PO Box 16080 Collins Street West Job No. ADL170746 Melbourne VICTORIA 8007 Attention: Jeremy Ellis Dear Jeremy SNOWTOWN PROPOSED SOLAR FACILITY – SURFACE WATER STRATEGY
Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA) was engaged to develop a surface water management strategy for a site near Snowtown SA where a solar facility is proposed. The strategy is aimed at managing the impacts of the proposed solar facility on the existing runoff at the site. As well as runoff at the site itself, runoff from upstream catchments and to downstream catchments has been considered. 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS
The site is cropped land with no major infrastructure within the site boundaries. Located approximately 160km north of Adelaide, and 13km north west of Snowtown, SA, the site is bordered by Hewitt Rd to the south and Wokurna Rd to the east. To the north and west is more undeveloped cropped land. Figure 1 below depicts typical site conditions in the area. There is a 132kW electricity transmission line running east west across the site as shown in the proposed site plan attached.
Figure 1: Typical Existing Site Conditions
The site area is approximately 108 ha. The site grades are reasonably consistently at 2.7% from east to west. Site levels were estimated from 10m contours supplied to WGA. The general topographic data is not detailed to indicate local site undulations; however, from the site contours it appears the fall is reasonably consistent.
170746lt001 Rev A - Surface Water Strategy 2
2. PROPOSED FACILITY
The proposed solar facility would fill the entire 108 ha site. Access is proposed from Wokurna Rd via an access track which will run through to the western site boundary. It is noted that the panels would form a continuous impervious area but a series of angled impervious areas and open spaces between rows of panels. It is proposed to maintain the existing soil covering over the surface under the solar panels, and graze sheep on the site to control grass growth. A typical solar panel arrangement is shown in Figure 2. This has been taken from the Tilt Renewables website.
Figure 2: Typical Solar Facility Arrangement
3. RUNOFF CALCULATIONS
a. Existing runoff estimates
The rational method was used to evaluate runoff from the site in various storm events. Reference was made to Australian Rainfall & Runoff (ARR) to estimate an appropriate existing runoff coefficient. The site is located in the south east region of SA according to figure 3.2 of ARR. This area is assigned runoff coefficients as outlined in Table 1. Time of concentration as outlined in ARR is based on the area of the catchment and estimated at 31.5 minutes. Rainfall intensities for this time of concentration were evaluated for the 10, 20, 50 and 100 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) event. Runoff results are summarised in Table 1. Table 1: Existing Conditions Runoff Summary
ARI Event Runoff Coefficient
Runoff
10 0.23 2.7 m3/s
20 0.25 3.6 m3/s
50 0.26 4.9 m3/s
100 0.28 6.4 m3/s
It is noted that there is no clear discharge point from the site in the form of a creek or similar flow path. Thus there is unlikely to be a single location where this peak site discharge will occur.
b. Proposed Stormwater Strategy
As outlined above, the surface itself will remain unchanged from its existing conditions, however the solar panels will change the runoff pattern. The solar panels will produce runoff as per a roof surface acting as separate completely impervious panels. Runoff will fall onto the existing soil in concentrated areas between the rows and then disperse under the panels. The panels will thus create localised flow paths that are currently not present at the site.
170746lt001 Rev A - Surface Water Strategy 3
Overall the runoff coefficient for the site is estimated to increase as shown in Table 2. Table 2: Proposed Conditions Runoff Summary
ARI Event Runoff Coefficient
Runoff
10 0.26 3.0 m3/s
20 0.28 4.1 m3/s
50 0.29 5.5 m3/s
100 0.31 7.1 m3/s
4. DESIGN STANDARD
In lieu of applicable stormwater management standards for this type of development, WGA has recommended reasonable design standards to develop stormwater management measures. These are summarised below;
• Protect the site from upstream runoff
• Manage stormwater discharge from the site to allow it disperse overland
• Prevent concentrated discharge to downstream properties
• Manage runoff within the site such that erosion is minimised
5. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
To meet the design standards outlined above, a number of stormwater management measures are proposed, summarised in Table 3.
Table 3: Summary of Proposed Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Location Purpose
Cut off drain Eastern boundaries. Intercept upstream overland flows from external catchments.
Internal swales Western boundaries and either side of the access track.
Intercept and convey overland flow from the site and internal flow paths.
Retention basins Approximately 3 locations along the western boundaries.
Collect stormwater from the internal swales. Retain stormwater allowing infiltration and evaporation. Reduce the concentration of overland flows discharging to downstream sites, and the potential for erosion.
The cut off drain, swales and retention basins should be sized to have capacity for a 20 year ARI storm. In larger events, the localised impacts on site runoff created by the solar panels are likely to be eclipsed by regional runoff.
Yours faithfully
Lucy Pocock for WALLBRIDGE GILBERT AZTEC
LP Attachments – Proposed Site Plan
Management Concept Layout
132k
W Bu
ngam
ato
Snow
town T
ee
66kW Snowtown Wind
Farm to Snowtown
132k
W Hu
mmoc
ksto
Snow
town T
ee
132kW Snowtownto Snowtown Tee
Jamison Solar
LegendSite BoundaryAccess Track (10m wide)Buffer (5m wide)Battery (30 x 30m)Site Facility (60 x 60m) Solar Panel AreaProposed Transmission LIne ConnectionParcelsElectricity Transmission Lines
2.0 REGULATORY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE ........................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Management Responsibilities and General Duties ....................................................................................... 5
2.2 Training and Awareness ............................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.1 Flora and fauna ....................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2.2 Soil erosion and drainage management ................................................................................................ 10
3.2.3 Air quality, noise and vibration .............................................................................................................. 10
Table 5: Weed and pest management ................................................................................................................................ 9
Table 6: Soil erosion and drainage management .............................................................................................................. 10
Table 7: Air quality management ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 8: Noise and vibration management ........................................................................................................................ 12
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
Native Vegetation Clearance formal approval
Clearance of native vegetation (including major pruning) is prohibited unless approved by the Native Vegetation Council (NVC) (or delegate) under a Standard Operating Procedure or an approved Management Plan according to the level of impact.
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
Northern and Yorke (N&Y) Natural Resource Management (NRM) Board and Natural Resources N&Y
Permit to undertake a Section 147 – Water affecting activity
A permit to undertake a water affecting activity is not expected to be required for this Project.
N/A
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act)
Minister for the Environment (Cth)
Department of the Environment and Energy
Determination on the proposals status If designated a controlled action, approval for actions that may impact on matter of national environmental significance is required.
Based on the flora and fauna species identified at the site during the Flora and Fauna Assessment, a referral and subsequent approval is not considered necessary.
N/A
Roads (Opening and Closing) Act 1991 (SA)
Minister for Transport
DPTI
Approval for the closure of public roads.
Closure of public roads is not expected to be necessary for this Project.
N/A
Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA)
Minister for Transport
DPTI
Road diversions, closures and traffic control will need to be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
Where necessary, approval for diversion and traffic control will be obtained from DPTI.
Construction Contractor/traffic control company
Prior to road closure, diversions and traffic control.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 5
Relevant legislation
Approval authority
Type of approval/legislative
considerations
Approval/consideration notes
Responsibility and Timing
Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 (SA)
Not applicable
This legislation identifies greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
The Project will involve the use of non-renewable materials and energy consumption during construction.
N/A
2.1 Management Responsibilities and General Duties
The Project will be undertaken in a manner that addresses the requirements of the Environment Protection
Act (1993) general environmental duty, specifically:
A person must not undertake an activity that pollutes, or might pollute, the environment unless the person
takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting environmental harm.
Table 2 identifies the key stakeholders for the project, their representative(s) and the respective roles and
responsibilities.
Table 2: Project responsibilities
Stakeholder Role Responsibilities Contact details
Principal – Tilt Renewables
Principal Site Owner
▪ Overarching responsibility for the project
▪ Site inspections and auditing of site works against
the CEMP to ensure appropriate measures are
implemented
▪ Management of Stakeholder engagement
To be
confirmed
Construction Contractor
Project Manager
▪ Delivery of the construction of the Project
▪ Engaging contractors to implement the works
▪ Control of site operations
▪ Manager for the purpose of ensuring overall works
compliance with the CEMP
To be
confirmed
Environmental Manager
▪ Ensuring compliance to requirements of this CEMF
and creating a CEMP
▪ Undertaking the required monitoring and reporting
▪ Responding where mitigating measures are not
adequate or where the CEMF requires
amendments.
To be
confirmed
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 6
2.2 Training and Awareness
2.2.1 Inductions
Prior to commencement on site, all project personnel will undergo a Site Induction covering awareness of
quality, safety, site rules and administration; and environmental issues and measures specific to this project.
Part of the induction will relate to the CEMP and may include, but not be limited to:
Purpose, objective and key issues of the CEMP
Conditions of environmental licences, permits and approvals
Emergency response procedures and reporting processes for environmental incidents
Site-specific issues such as location of refuse bins, refuelling and maintenance of vehicles, plant and
equipment
Weed identification and practices to minimise the spread of weeds
Aboriginal heritage issues, including identification of heritage sites and procedures for discovery of
heritage sites
Management of dust from construction activities
Management of construction noise and vibrations, particularly during night works
Contamination management procedure
Protection of specific flora and/or fauna including management requirement
Soil erosion and drainage management measures.
Induction records will be kept to confirm that all relevant personnel have been appropriately inducted.
Inductions will be updated as required, i.e. when significant changes occur on site or within the
environmental management framework of the project.
2.2.2 Pre-Starts and Toolbox Talks
In addition to the site inductions, pre-start talks will be undertaken at the beginning of each day (before work
commences). Environmental issues will be raised and discussed at these meetings, as required.
Records of Toolbox talks and the issues discussed will be retained.
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30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 7
2.3 Emergency Contacts
Organisation Contact Details
Tilt Renewables TBA
Construction Contractor TBA
CFS - Snowtown (08) 8865 2405
Natural Resource Centre- Clare (08) 8841 3400
Wildlife hotline (08) 8289 0896
Environment Protection Authority (08) 8204 2004
Underground Services
AAPT/Power Tel 1800 786 306
APA SA 1800 427 532
NBN Co SA/NT 1800 626 762
Nextgen NCC-SA 1800 032 532
Optus and/or Uecomm SA 1800 505 777
PIPE Networks SA 1800 201 100
SA Power Networks 131 366
SA Water (08) 7424 1117
SEA Gas 1800 103 542
Telstra SANT Submit Form via DB4YD website
Vocus Communications 1800 262 663
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 8
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
3.1 Key Environmental Aspects
This CEMF provides strategies for the management of potential impacts associated with the construction
phase of the project. The CEMF strategies address the following environmental aspects:
Flora and fauna (Section 3.2.1)
Water quality including soil erosion and drainage management (Section 3.2.2)
Air quality, noise and vibration (Section 3.2.3)
Contamination (soil, groundwater and potential acid sulphate soils) (Section 3.2.4)
Heritage (Section 3.2.5 and 3.2.6)
Waste management (Section 3.2.7).
Emergency response planning will be addressed under Project Environmental Health and Safety
documentation.
3.2 Management Strategies
3.2.1 Flora and fauna
The impacts to flora and fauna were assessed by EBS Ecology, based on the proposed site layout.
As the Project site is within existing cropping land, the removal of native vegetation is not required to
accommodate the proposed site layout.
There are some native grasses present along the roadsides surrounding the site and access/egress points
will be designed to avoid these areas.
A number of declared plants under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 have been identified at the
site including Bathurst Burr, Salvation Jane and Horehound.
Tables 3, 4 and 5 outline potential impacts to native vegetation and fauna, as well as those associated with
weeds and pests, as a result of the construction activities and mitigating measures to minimise these
impacts.
Table 3: Native vegetation management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Minimise adverse impacts to existing native vegetation
Comply with the Native Vegetation Act 1991 relating to vegetation management
Potential Impacts Destruction and disturbance of existing native vegetation from construction activities
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the relevant
vegetation protection issues i.e. protection of native grasses along
roadsides.
▪ Restrict vehicle movement to defined tracks and access/egress points
▪ Minimise vehicle movement and machinery disturbance within and around
retained vegetation.
▪ Appropriate approvals to be sought prior to any vegetation removal and/or
major pruning, if required. Vegetation pruning and removal is to be carried
out by an appropriately qualified Arborist in accordance with Australian
Standard 4373: Pruning of Amenity Trees.
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30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 9
Table 4: Fauna management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Minimise adverse impacts to fauna and habitats.
Potential Impacts
▪ Destruction and disturbance of fauna habitats
▪ Increased potential for collision with vehicles due to increased traffic in the
site area.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the fauna
potentially present including important fauna habitat (i.e. native grassland),
and measures to minimise adverse impacts on fauna
▪ Minimise vehicle movement and machinery disturbance within and around
retained vegetation
▪ Dedicate vehicle movement to defined tracks
▪ Contact the relevant authority in the event of encountering trapped or
injured fauna.
Table 5: Weed and pest management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Prevent the spread of pest plants and animals.
Comply with the NRM Act relating to vegetation management.
Potential Impacts
Spread of weeds through Project activities including excavation and traffic
movement.
Site-based waste attracting pest animals.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the declared plants
present onsite and requirements of the NRM Act
▪ Movement, control and destruction of declared plants to be in accordance
with the NRM Act. This includes obtaining appropriate approvals prior to
transporting declared plants on public roads.
▪ Ensure imported fill is clean and free of weed propagules
▪ Restrict vehicle access to defined tracks and access/egress points
▪ Manage entry/exit point (i.e. using a rumble pad) so that site soils
(potentially containing weed propagules) are not tracked to or from the site.
▪ Ensure waste is appropriately stored to discourage pest animals. This
includes covering putrescible and organic storages associated with crib
rooms and offices.
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30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 10
3.2.2 Soil erosion and drainage management
A Stormwater Strategy has been developed by WGA to manage stormwater and will be incorporated into the
site layout.
It is not expected that runoff from the construction site will have a significant impact on any surface water
drainage pathways. However, to mitigate any potential impacts associated with construction of the detention
basin, the solar facility or the operations and maintenance facility, the management measures listed in Table
6 should be implemented during construction.
Table 6: Soil erosion and drainage management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Minimise erosion of soils and protect surface water drainage pathways.
Potential Impacts Increased erosion due to soil cover disturbance and changes to surface water
flow patterns.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the issues
associated with erosion and drainage and the management strategies in
place
▪ Progressive clearance of vegetation so that there is a minimal amount of
exposed earth across the site at any one time
▪ Progressive stabilisation of soil and areas disturbed by earthworks using
vegetation (hydro seeding), matting and various other techniques
▪ Soil to be stockpiled away from drainage pathways
▪ Stockpiles that are not being actively used to be stabilised using
hydromulch (or equivalent)
▪ Treatment measures such as sediment fences, silt socks and temporary
swales and basins placed and utilised to manage erosion and drainage.
These should be used in sequence where sediment loads are expected to
be high
▪ Prevent contaminants including waste, fuels, sediment and other potentially
contaminated runoff from entering surface water drainage pathways using
measures including containment, bunding, cover, separation buffers and
spill response and clean up contingencies
▪ Control the entry and exit of stormwater runoff from work areas including to
divert clean stormwater away from and around materials storage areas
▪ Stop work in the event of encountering potentially contaminated soil and
reassess site drainage to ensure sediments from potentially contaminated
soils are contained.
3.2.3 Air quality, noise and vibration
The Project activities are not expected to have a significant adverse impact on air quality. Dust levels are
likely to increase as a result of construction and may have a minor impact on residents in close proximity to
the site.
Operation of construction plant and machinery will cause a noticeable level of noise during construction
activities, which may have a minor impact on the residents in close proximity to the Project site.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 11
Vibration impacts are expected to be minor.
Engagement with local community, in particular the residents in close proximity to the Project site, is planned
prior to starting and during construction works.
Table 7 outlines the potential impacts to air quality as a result of Project construction activities and measures
to minimise these impacts.
Table 8 summarises the potential impacts as a result of the increase in noise and vibration and mitigating
measures to minimise these impacts.
Table 7: Air quality management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Minimise impacts to air quality such as dust, vehicle emissions and odours.
Comply with the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure 1998 and SA EPA guidance.
Potential Impacts
Increased levels of dust generated during Project activities.
Increased level of vehicle emission and particles by plant machinery.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the issues
associated with air quality management and the mitigating strategies in
place
▪ Maintain all plant machinery and equipment for efficient operation and
minimise engine idle times and queuing
▪ Designated vehicle access routes and protocols to be determined and
communicated to all contractors
▪ Covering or wetting-down soil and construction material stockpiles to
minimise dust mobilisation
▪ Stop work in areas where construction activities are generating
unacceptable levels of dust
▪ Minimise use of on-site cutting and grinding. Where used, employ
equipment and techniques such as dust extractors and surface wetting to
minimise dust. Consider use of specific plant such as wet cutting saws,
vacuum extraction or block/slab splitters
▪ Regularly water exposed surfaces, including exposed stockpiles and
unsealed roadways, or seal high use access tracks to suppress dust
generation
▪ All truck loads to be covered prior to leaving site
▪ Maintain transparent communication lines for community members to
contact the Construction Manager (or delegate).
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 12
Table 8: Noise and vibration management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Comply with the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007, SA EPA guidance for the construction industry and general environmental duty of care regarding construction noise.
Comply with legislative and regulated construction vibration levels.
Potential Impacts
Increase in noise and vibration causing nuisance to residences in close
proximity to the site.
Noise and vibration outside of normal construction hours (night works) causing
nuisance to businesses in close proximity to the site.
Potential structural damage to buildings in close proximity to the site due to
increased vibration from construction machinery.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the issues
associated with noise and vibration management and the mitigating
strategies in place
▪ Ensure EPA approvals for night works are obtained if required
▪ Conduct property condition surveys where requested prior to and after
construction activities to manage potential impacts from construction
vibration
▪ Machinery at the site to operate in accordance with relevant sections of the
SA Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 and the SA EPA Noise
Information Sheet (2014)
▪ Proactive noise control strategies if required, such as shielding for
compressors, power generators and other fixed plant; and temporary
acoustic barriers or enclosures
▪ Substitution of alternative construction processes if excessive noise or
vibration is produced
▪ Truck movements to be limited to the designated freight route
▪ All vehicles and equipment will be appropriately serviced and maintained
▪ Ongoing communication with the community regarding times of excessive
noise or vibration if required.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 13
3.2.4 Contamination management procedures
Based on the historical use of the site for broad acre farming, the risk of encountering contaminated material
is considered to be low.
Surplus soils requiring offsite disposal are not expected.
Based on the expected depth to groundwater (>30 m below ground level), there will be no interaction with
groundwater during Project activities. Groundwater has not been discussed further in this CEMF.
Table 9 outlines the potential impacts associated with soil contamination as a result of Project activities and
measures to minimise these impacts.
Table 9: Contamination management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Comply with Environment Protection Act 1993 and relevant SA EPA Guidelines.
Minimise adverse impacts to soil as a result of contamination.
Potential Impacts
Contaminated soil mixing with ‘clean’ soil, further contaminating the site.
Illegal disposal of contaminated material.
Stockpiled contaminated soil becoming airborne.
Contaminated soil entering surface water drainage pathways.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Induct all site personnel to provide an understanding of the issues
associated with contamination management and the mitigating strategies in
place
▪ Mixing of soil types to be avoided (i.e. contaminated/non-contaminated)
▪ Any material removed from the site to landfill, or for reuse at another site,
will be done so in accordance with SA EPA regulatory requirements such
as a Waste Soil Assessment on surplus soils
▪ Only clean materials will be imported to the site
▪ Any soil or other material spilled onto roadways having originated from
vehicles to be removed
▪ Ensure the contingency plan for encountering contaminated material is
followed, as described in Section 3.2.4.1
▪ Erosion and sedimentation controls to be put in place, as described in
Section 3.2.2
▪ Air quality controls to be put in place, as described in Section 3.2.3.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 14
3.2.4.1 Contamination contingency plan
Although it would be unexpected, it is possible that contaminated soil may be encountered during
excavation.
Indicators of contamination could include, but are not limited to:
Odorous or discoloured soils
Large inclusions such as brick or bitumen
Buried infrastructure such as oil filled cables/pipe
Potential asbestos containing material.
In the event of encountering potentially contaminated soil, the following contingency plan will be initiated:
1) Stop Work: work in the area of the potentially contaminated material shall cease, the area will be
isolated and made safe.
2) Communicate: the Project Manager is to be contacted and the Principal is to be notified.
3) Assessment: a suitably qualified Contamination Consultant will attend the site within 24 hours to
undertake assessment.
4) Temporary Management: subject to the nature of the material, the assessment required and
turnaround of findings, the following options can be considered for temporary management of the
material:
Segregate: segregate the area of the material, including bunting off from the remainder of the
work area, with no further Project work in this defined area until the material is classified and
direction is provided from the Project Manager.
Stockpile onsite: excavation of the unclassified material under the direction of the
Contamination Consultant, with appropriate and segregated temporary stockpiling in a
designated area onsite. Where the contamination status is unknown, material must be stockpiled
on a sealed surface or an appropriate barrier (i.e. plastic sheeting) to ensure underlying soils are
not impacted.
Dispose offsite: excavation of the unclassified material and immediate disposal to an off-site
licensed waste facility. Approval for immediate disposal and assessment of materials at the
waste facility must be sought prior to transport and disposal.
5) Validation: validation of the excavation may also be required to confirm that all contaminated material
has been appropriately delineated and managed. The requirement for validation will be advised by the
Contamination Consultant.
6) Permanent Management: Following assessment of the material, final management will constitute one
of the following options:
Onsite reuse: Where materials are found to be contaminated, there may be options for onsite
reuse in restricted areas. Where materials are not contaminated, they may be reused onsite
without restriction.
Offsite reuse as Waste Derived Fill (WDF): Depending on the contamination status of the
material, it may be reused offsite in accordance with the requirements of the SA EPA Standard
for the Production and Re-use of Waste Derived Fill.
Disposal to landfill or treatment facility: materials assessed to be unsuitable for reuse, or
those surplus to the reuse requirements of the project will require disposal at a licensed landfill
facility.
7) Track Material: the source, nature, assessment and final location of all potentially contaminated
material will be recorded and provided to the Principal.
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 15
3.2.5 Aboriginal heritage
Based on the site having been regularly cultivated, the Project site and construction activities are considered
to be low risk in relation to Aboriginal heritage.
Tilt will continue to work with the Adjahdura Narungga Heritage Group (ANHG) to ensure all Aboriginal
heritage protection measures are included in the CEMP and the site inductions.
Table 10 outlines the potential impacts to Aboriginal and heritage as a result of Project activities and
measures to minimise these impacts.
Table 10: Aboriginal heritage management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Minimise impacts to Aboriginal sites.
Comply with the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.
Potential Impacts Disturbance of Aboriginal sites or objects within the project site.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Site personnel to be inducted to the site, including providing an
understanding of the cultural heritage considerations associated with the
project, including examples of indications of potential cultural significance
▪ If suspected Aboriginal heritage items, including stone artefacts, hearths or
burials are exposed during excavations, work will stop immediately and the
Principal and the Heritage Consultant will be contacted.
▪ Works must cease until direction has been provided by the Heritage
Consultant, Adjahdura Narungga Heritage Group and/or appropriate
authorities.
▪ If human skeletal remains are found, these must be immediately reported
to the Snowtown Police Station and Division of State Aboriginal Affairs (if
suspected to be of Aboriginal origin).
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30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 16
3.2.6 Waste management
A variety of wastes, both potentially hazardous and non-hazardous and including general refuse, may be
produced during construction activities.
The waste hierarchy will be implemented during all construction activities at the site, as practicable.
Table 11 outlines the potential impacts of waste as a result of Project activities and measures to minimise
these impacts.
Table 11: Waste management
Aspect Clarification
Environmental Objectives
Prevent negative environmental impacts associated with construction waste.
Prevent waste from impacting on land and surface water.
Comply with Environment Protection Act 1993 and relevant SA EPA Guidelines.
Potential Impacts
Inappropriate storage and disposal of waste impacting on land and surface
water.
Accumulation of pest animals.
Mitigation Measures
▪ Site personnel inductions to include appropriate storage (including
separation) and disposal/recycling of waste
▪ Work areas to be maintained in a neat and orderly manner
▪ Waste will be disposed of regularly by the persons/organisation
undertaking the activities, with appropriate signage and separation of hard
organic material from putrescible organic material. Off-site waste disposal
will be in accordance with SA EPA and Zero Waste SA
guidelines/requirements.
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30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 17
4.0 MONITORING, REPORTING AND REVIEW
4.1 Reporting, inspections and auditing
Reporting requirements, site inspections and any audits of compliance with a CEMP will be in accordance
with Tilt’s requirements.
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30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 18
5.0 SUMMARY OF DOCUMENTS AND APPROVALS
Table 12 outlines the external approvals and permits required to facilitate the construction activities.
Table 12: External approvals and permits
Approval Applicable
Native Vegetation No
Development Approval Yes
Water Affecting Activities Permit No
EPA Licences No
Native Title Notification No
Local Government Consulted Yes
EPBC Referral No
Aboriginal Heritage No
Local, State or National Heritage Approval No
Consultation with NRM Board (if transporting plants declared under Part 175 of NRM Act)
No
Notification of construction works to residences Yes
Advanced notice of roadworks to motorists Yes
SNOWTOWN NORTH SOLAR FARM- CEMF
30 October 2017 Report No. 1671306-010-R-Rev0 19
Report Signature Page
GOLDER ASSOCIATES PTY LTD
Hannah Keynes Lissa van Camp
Environmental Scientist Principal Environmental Consultant
HK/LvC/jd
A.B.N. 64 006 107 857
Golder, Golder Associates and the GA globe design are trademarks of Golder Associates Corporation.
Disruption of ecosystem through permanent removal of vegetation for construction Possible Minor Medium
Disruption of ecosystem through permanent removal of vegetation protected by the EPBC Act (Commonwealth) Unlikely Minor Medium
Disruption of ecosystem through permanent removal of vegetation protected by the Native Vegetation Act (State) Possible Minor Medium
Disruption of ecosystem through temporary disruption of vegetation during construction (i.e. access to site) Likely Minor Medium
Changes to ecosystem through introduction and spread of weeds due to soil disturbance and increased traffic on site Possible Minor Medium
Changes to ecosystems due to microclimate impacts under the solar modules (including shading, temperature and
humidity changes)Possible Moderate Medium
Changes to vegetation type due to land use change (grazing) Likely Insignificant Medium
Disruption of established ecosystem through permanent removal of vegetation protected by the EPBC Act
(Commonwealth) during decommission Unlikely Insignificant Low
Disruption of established ecosystem through permanent removal of vegetation protected by the Native Vegetation
Act (State) during decommissionPossible Insignificant Low
Temporary disruption of established ecosystem through decommissioning activities (i.e. access to site) Likely Minor Medium
Changes to ecosystem through introduction and spread of weeds due to soil disturbance and increased traffic on site Possible Minor Medium
Disruption of habitats supporting fauna protected by the EPBC Act during construction (including noise, light,
vibration)Possible Minor Medium
Disruption of habitats supporting other fauna Likely Insignificant Low
Injury due to vehicle collision Possible Minor Medium
Introduction of pest animals as a result of construction activities Rare Insignificant Low Activities not likely to increase the number of pest animals
Long term displacement of fauna protected by the EPBC Act due to removal of habitats Possible Minor Medium
Long term displacement of other fauna due to removal of habitats Possible Minor Medium
Injury due to vehicle collision Unlikely Minor Medium
Introduction of pest animals as a result of site operation Not Applicable Activities not likely to increase the number of pest animals
Disruption of habitats supporting fauna protected by the EPBC Act during decommission (including noise, light,
vibration)Possible Minor Medium
Disruption of habitats supporting other fauna during decommission (including noise, light, vibration) Likely Insignificant Low
Injury due to vehicle collision Possible Minor Medium
Introduction of pest animals as a result of construction activities Rare Insignificant Low Activities not likely to increase the number of pest animals
Disturbance of area of significance for local artefacts through construction Possible Major High
Disturbance of area of spiritual significant through construction Possible Major High
Disturbance of area of significance for local artefacts through operation Not Applicable
Disturbance of area of spiritual significant through operation Not Applicable
Disturbance of area of significance for local artefacts through decommission Rare Major Medium
Disturbance of area of spiritual significant through decommission Not Applicable Unlikely as no further excavation or encroachment of land following construction and
operational phases
Disturbance of heritage areas through construction activities Not Applicable
Disturbance of heritage areas through operational activities Not Applicable
Disturbance of heritage areas through decommission Not Applicable
Likely removal of native vegetation in road verges at access points only
Operation
Decommission
Fauna
Heritage
Aboriginal heritage
Construction
Heritage Survey to be undertaken to determine
actual likelihood and significance. Appropriate
approvals to be obtained prior to site work.
Management/protection measures to be outlined in
the Environmental Management Plan for
construction and decommission.
Operation
Aspect
Biodiversity
Flora
Construction
Flora and Fauna Survey to be undertaken to
determine significance of flora and fauna on site and
provide input for design considerations.
Appropriate approvals to be obtained prior to site
work. Management/protection
measures to be outlined in the Environmental
Management Plan for construction and
decommission.
Unlikely as no further excavation or encroachment of land following contruction phase
Decommission
Non-aboriginal heritage
Construction
No heritage listed areas within approximately 10 km of the site.
Operation
Decommission
Construction
Likely disruption of habitat in road verges at access points only
Operation
Based on minimal native vegetation removal, displacement is likely to be temporary as
fauna can return following construction phase
Decommission
Pollution of groundwater through construction activities Rare Moderate Medium Unlikely to be significant contamination sources associated with site works.
Vertical disruption of aquifers during construction activities Not Applicable Groundwater expected to be at depth (i.e. 30 m). Deep excavation is not expected
Pollution of groundwater through operational activities Not Applicable Unlikely to be any source of contamination during operational phase
Pollution of groundwater through decommissioning activities Rare Moderate Medium
Pollution controls and procedures to be included in
the Environmental Management Plan for
construction and decommission
Unlikely to be significant contamination sources associated with site works.
Vertical disruption of aquifers during decommissioning activities Not Applicable Decommissioning activities are not expected to impact on groundwater.
Pollution of surface water from construction activities Unlikely Minor Medium Unlikely to be significant contamination sources associated with construction activities
Disruption of surface water drainage patterns through construction activities Likely Minor Medium
Increase in soil erosion as a result of construction activities Possible Minor Medium
Increase in sediment entering surface water as a result of construction activities Possible Minor Medium
Pollution of surface water from operational activities Not Applicable Unlikely to be any source of contamination during operational phase
Permanent changes to surface water drainage patterns due to infrastructure onsite and operational activities Likely Minor Medium
Increase in soil erosion as a result of operational activities Rare Minor Low
Increase in sediment entering surface water as a result of operational activities Rare Minor Low
Pollution of surface water from decommissioning activities Unlikely Minor Medium Unlikely to be significant contamination sources associated with decomission activities
Disruption of surface water drainage patterns through decomissioning activities Possible Minor Medium
Increase in soil erosion as a result of decommissioning activities Possible Minor Medium
Increase in sediment entering surface water as a result of decommissioning activities Possible Minor Medium
Increase in noise during construction disrupting fauna Unlikely Minor Medium Construction noise is expected to be minor and temporary
Increase in noise during construction disrupting residents Unlikely Minor Medium Construction noise is likely to be minor, temporary and during regular working hours
Increase in noise during construction disrupting sensitive receptors Not Applicable No sensitive receptors present in close proximity
Vibration during construction disrupting fauna, residents and/or sensitive receptors Not Applicable Not likely to be an increase in vibration levels
Permanent increase in noise disrupting fauna and/or residents Not Applicable Noise levels as a result of operation will be negligible
Permanent increase in noise disrupting sensitive receptors Not Applicable No sensitive receptors present in close proximity
Vibration during construction disrupting fauna, residents and/or sensitive receptors Not Applicable Not likely to be an increase in vibration levels
Increase in noise during decommissioning disrupting fauna Unlikely Minor Medium Noise associated with decommissioning is expected to be minor and temporary
Increase in noise during decommissioning disrupting residents Unlikely Minor Medium Noise associated with deommissioning is likely to be minor, temporary and during regular
working hours
Increase in noise during decommissioning disrupting sensitive receptors Not Applicable No sensitive receptors present in close proximity
Vibration during construction disrupting fauna, residents and/or sensitive receptors Not Applicable Not likely to be an increase in vibration levels
Sites have flat topography so erosion and significant runoff is likely to be minor and during
very high rainfall only
Operation
Decommission
Noise and Vibration
Construction
Environmental management plan including noise and
vibration management
Operation
Decommission
Water
Groundwater
Construction Surface Water Strategy to be developed for
management of surface water drainage. Pollution
controls and procedures to be included in the
Environmental Management Plan for construction
and decommission
Operation
Decommission
Surface water
Construction
Surface Water Strategy to be developed for
management of surface water drainage. Appropriate
waste management, contamination prevention and
sediment, erosion and drainange management plans
to be included in the environmental management
plan for construction and decommission.
Permanent drainage patterns to be considered in the
design of the project
Topsoil stripping during land preparation removing seed bank and hummic material Possible Insignificant Low Land has been previously regularly cultivated
Topsoil stripping during land preparation removing seed bank and hummic material Not Applicable No further topsoil stripping during operation
Topsoil stripping prior to deommissioning removing seed bank and hummic material Unlikely Insignificant Low Land has been previously regularly cultivated
Disruption of landscape character during construction Possible Insignificant Low
Change of experience for highway users during construction Not Applicable View from highway is largely screened with vegetation, activities not expected to be of
concern for highway users
Disruption of landscape character during operation Possible Insignificant Low
Change of experience for highway users during operation Not Applicable Very limited areas of the site will be visible during operation and unlikely to be of concern
to highway users
Disruption of landscape character following decommissioning Rare Insignificant Low
Change of experience for highway users during decommissioning Not Applicable View from highway is largely screened with vegetation, activities not expected to be of
concern for highway users
Glare and reflectivity impacts to drivers on public roads during construction Rare Insignificant Low
Glare and reflectivity impacts to drivers on public roads during operation Not Applicable Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect
Glare and reflectivity impacts to drivers on public roads during decomissioning activities Rare Insignificant Low
Decrease in air quality due to dust generated during construction, impacting on residents or fauna Unlikely Minor Medium
Air quality management to be included in the
Environmental Management Plan for construction
and decommission
Impacts on dust levels are expected to be minor and temporary only.
Decrease in air quality due to dust generated during construction, impacting on sensitive receptors Not Applicable No sensitive receptors present in close proximity
Long term decrease in air quality due to dust generated by the land use change, impacting on residents or fauna Unlikely Minor Medium
Dust levels will be monitored and appropriate
controls (i.e revegetating topsoil) put in place if an
issue is detected
Decrease in air quality due to dust generated during by the land use change, impacting on sensitive receptors Not Applicable No sensitive receptors present in close proximity
Decrease in air quality due to dust generated during decommissioning, impacting on residents Unlikely Minor Medium
Air quality management to be included in the
Environmental Management Plan for construction
and decommission
Impacts on dust levels are expected to be minor and temporary only.
Decrease in air quality due to dust generated during decommissioning, impacting on sensitive receptors Not Applicable No sensitive receptors present in close proximity
Degredation of public infrastructure (regional roads) due to increased traffic and heavy loads during construction Rare Minor Low
Degredation of public infrastructure (local roads) due to increased traffic and heavy loads as a results of
decommissionnig activities Unlikely Moderate Medium
Degredation of public infrastructure (reginal and local roads) due to increased traffic and heavy loads during operation Not Applicable Minor amount of traffic during operation is not likely to be greater than current regional
traffic
Degredation of public infrastructure (regional roads) due to increased traffic and heavy loads as a results of
decommissionnig activities Rare Minor Low
Degredation of public infrastructure (local roads) due to increased traffic and heavy loads as a results of
decommissionnig activities Unlikely Moderate Medium
Increase in traffic causing nuisance to community during construction Unlikely Minor Medium
Increase in traffic causing nuisance to community during operation Rare Insignificant Low
Increase in traffic causing nuisance to community during decommissioning Unlikely Moderate Medium
Removal of fences for site access during construction Possible Insignificant Low
Removal of fences for site access during operation Not Applicable
Removal of fences for site access as a result of decomissioning activities Possible Insignificant Low
Decommission
Glare/Reflectivity
Construction
Operation
Decommission
Site Preparation
Construction
Operation
Decommission
Visual Amenity
Landscape character
Construction
Impacts to visual amenity will be further investigated
and screening with vegetation installed if required
Operation
Traffic
Construction
Community to be kept informed on
construciton/decomissioning activities Operation
Decommission
Air quality
Construction
Operation
Decommission
Infrastructure
Roads
Construction
Fences
Construction
Fence will be upgraded after construction and
decommission (as agreed with the landholders)
Operation
Decommission
Traffic Impact and Route Assessment commissioned
to inform appropriate route and potential impacts. Operation
Decommission
Loss of agricultural production during construction Almost certain Insignificant Medium
Disruption of surrounding land use (i.e. cropping during harvest) Possible Insignificant Low
Loss of agricultural production during operation Almost certain Insignificant Medium
Disruption of surrounding land use (i.e. cropping during harvest) Not Applicable Operation of solar plant is unlikely to interrupt surrounding land uses
Loss of agricultural production during decommission Not Applicable Decommissioning will result in an increase in agricultural production
Disruption of surrounding land use (i.e. cropping during harvest) Possible Insignificant Low
Increase in generation of waste during construction Likely Insignificant Medium
Increase in generation of waste as a result of operational activities Possible Insignificant Low
Increase in generation of waste during decommissioning Likely Insignificant Medium
Impact to local water resources due to project water requirements during construction (i.e. for dust suppression) Possible Insignificant Low
Impact to local water resources due to operational water requirements Not Applicable Operation of the solar plant will not require a significant amount of water
Impact to local water resources due to project water requirements during decommission (i.e. for dust suppression) Possible Insignificant Low
Contamination of site soils due to excavation of contamination soil Not Applicable
Contamination of site soils due to construction activities Rare Minor Low
Contamination of site soils as a result of site operations Not Applicable
Contamination of site soils during site decommissioning Rare Minor Low
Increased greenhouse gas emmissions as a result of construction activities (i.e. fossil fuel use and electricity) Almost certain Insignificant Medium
Increased greenhouse gas emmissions as a result of site operation (i.e. fossil fuel use and electricity) Likely Insignificant Medium
Increased greenhouse gas emmissions as a result of decommissioning activities (i.e. fossil fuel use and electricity) Almost certain Insignificant Medium
Risk to public safety during construction Not Applicable
Risk to public safety during operation Not Applicable
Risk to public safety during decommissioning Not Applicable
Risk of fire as a result of construction activities Unlikely Severe High Prevention measures to be stringently followed
Risk of fire during operation Rare Severe High
Risk of fire as a result of decommissioning activities Unlikely Severe High Prevention measures to be stringently followed
Land use
Construction
Land use restrictions and options to be agreed with
relevant stakeholders
Operation
Decommission
Decommission
Site Contamination
Construction
Precautions to avoid soil contamination will be
included in the Environmental Management Plan for
construction and decommissioning.
Unlikely to be soil contamination at the site based on historical agricultural land useOperation
Decommission
Waste Management and
Resource Use
Waste
Construction
Waste storage and disposal requirements to be
included in the Environmental Management Plan for
construction and decommissioning
Operation
Decommission
Water Use
Construction
Reticulated water to be used for dust suppression
Operation
Construction, operation and decommission unlikely to pose a risk to public safety based on
location of site and lack of major hazards associated with solar farms
Operation
Decommission
Greenhouse gas emissions
Construction
Greenhouse gas reduction measures will be included
in the Environmental Management Plan.
Use of fossil fuels and electricity is unavoidable for the project. Based on the objective of
the project (providing renewable energy), this is considered acceptable.
Operation
Decommission
Bushfire
Construction
Bushfire prevention measures to be included in the
Environmental Management Plan for construction
and decommission. Emergency Response Plan to be
developed in consultation with CFS for construction,
operation and decommissioning. Fire risk to be
considered in design and selection of infrastructure.
Operation
Decommission
Public Safety
Construction
Golder Associates Pty Ltd
118 Franklin Street
Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Australia
T: +61 8 8213 2100
NX Horizon Self-Powered Tracker
Our most amazing tracker yet. In our mission to make solar a mainstream energy source, NEXTracker has engineered the most intelligent and flexible tracking technology yet. Using sustainable design methods with outcomes that benefit people and the planet, we bring you: NX Horizon™.
NX Horizon (formerly referred to as the Self-Powered Tracker or SPT), brings self-contained motor power to each row, eliminating power wiring and trenching. Our advanced horizontal tracker ihas the widest rotational range available, lowest O&M costs, and requires far less power to operate than other trackers. By offering more powerful systems at a greater value, NEXTracker enables greater deployment of renewable energy worldwide.
on the array, protecting the PV modules in harsh environments. NX Horizon solar trackers also have a mechanically balanced row design that align PV panels with the tracker’s axis of rotation – which greatly reduces row torque, using less energy from the motor to track throughout the day.
– Self-grounded system with theft-proof fasteners: NX Horizon is the world’s first horizontal tracker with an entirely self-grounded design. This means no separate bonding hardware is required. You save on material and associated costs by eliminating grounding washers, braided straps, bare copper wire, and grounding rods. What’s more, we’ve designed our own fasteners that can only be removed with special tools – deterring PV theft.
NX Horizon key features and benefits include:
– Self-powered system with smart performancecommunications: Self-contained units on eachrow include a dedicated PV panel toprovide power to the controller which drives themotor and hosts intelligent control electronics to posi-tion each tracker. With smart communicationsbuilt in, NX Horizon systems can be accessedremotely, providing customers with a granularview to optimize tracker performance, operationsand maintenance.
– Independent balanced rows with 120 degreerotational range: Each NX Horizon row has itsown controlled motor with rotational range thatdelivers up to 2% more energy than typical linkedrow trackers. These agile, independent rows stowin less than 90 seconds to reduce wind forces
Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd (Tilt) proposes to develop a 45 MW solar farm approximately 10 km west of Snowtown in Wakefield Regional Council, South Australia. The primary objective of the Snowtown North Solar Farm (the Solar Farm) is to generate renewable energy using solar PV technology. Tilt has leased a 100 ha land block (portion of CT6118/648 and portion CT6118/647) in consultation with the landowner to enable the development.
A Planning Report was submitted to the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) on 24 November 2017.
1.2 Further information requested Following submission of the Planning Report, Tilt received a letter from the State Commission Assessment Panel dated 1 December 2017 with a request for further information to be provided. The letter requesting information has been included in Appendix A.
The letter requested the following information;
• Site plan – appropriately scaled; • Further information relating to the access point(s); • Location and layout of all proposed buildings; • Solar panel array specifications; • Details of site excavation; • Details of cabling requirements; • Clarification regarding land use post construction; and • Extent of landscaping.
Further information around each of these points is provided herein.
2.0 Site Plan
Requests:
‘An appropriately scaled and dimensioned site plan (1:500), including the setback of any proposed buildings or structures from the boundary of the site;’
A building site plan and a proposed site layout has been prepared and is included in Appendix B. Although the a 1:500 scale was specifically requested, a scale of 1:1000 was thought to be more appropriate for the building site plan to identify all aspects of the site facilities and setback distances.
A scale 1:7500 is thought appropriate for the proposed site layout to get an understand of the entirety of the site. All aspects of the project have been clearly labelled including access track, underground cabling, solar arrays, existing overhead line, boundary fence, proposed landscaping and on-site buildings.
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3.0 Site Access
Requests:
‘The approximate position of the access point(s) to the project site from Wokurna Road;’
As referenced in section 4.2 of the Planning Report, entry to the site will be from Wokurna Road, approximately 250 meters north west of the intersection with Hewitt Road. This is the only access point from public roadways. The Traffic Impact & Route Assessment report is presented in Appendix B of the Planning Report and details the approximate access location as being appropriate for the use proposed.
The Building Site Plan presented in Appendix B of this document presents the access point as having a width of 6m, with the on-site access tracks being 4m wide. All access tracks will require batters on either side for drainage purposes therefore making the disturbance area slightly bigger.
The detailed civil design will be submitted to the responsible authority prior to construction.
4.0 Buildings onsite
Requests:
‘The approximate location and layout of all proposed buildings on the land – including dimensions, elevations, cross sections, floor plates and materials of construction – and the location of the staff / employee carpark;’
In addition to the site layout in Figure 4 of the Planning Report, the Building Site Plan in Appendix B presents the location and sizes of the onsite buildings. These buildings include the O&M facilities, battery storage and area for the temporary construction compound. As detailed in section 4.2 of the Planning Report, the temporary construction compound area will become the future Operations & Maintenance (O&M) building and carpark which will be designed to accommodate four cars.
An indicative elevation and floor plan for the O&M facility is presented in Appendix C. Although the detailed civil design has not yet been conducted, we would expect the facilities to be constructed using predominantly Colourbond iron with blockwork or lightweight cladding materials used for the offices.
Elevations, cross sections, floor plates and materials of construction are not available for the battery storage unit. We would however assume that the battery’s will be housed in containers similar to shipping containers. A photo of a battery storage is presented in Appendix D.
5.0 Solar array specifications
Requests:
‘The approximate location, layout, dimension and specification of the solar panel arrays (including a representative cross section of a typical PV module) and associated infrastructure (battery storage system, inverters, underground cabling, connection arrangement to existing substation etc);’
Presented in Appendix E is a cross section of a typical solar module and frame, including dimensions. In addition to this, the location and orientation of the solar arrays can be seen in the site layout presented in Appendix B.
5
6.0 Site Excavations
Requests:
‘Details of any excavation and/or filling of land to undertake the development;’
On site excavation will be required in areas in and around the access tracks, construction compound, substation, O&M facility and car parking area. Further cable trenches will be dug throughout the site to facilitate the electricity generated from the solar arrays to be supplied to the existing substation, and into the National Electricity Market.
The solar modules will be supported by a frame with legs at intervals of approximately 2m that will either be direct drilled or supported by small foundations. The construction method will be confirmed following geotechnical assessments that will be carried out following receiving planning approval.
The final developments will include details of all onsite excavation and will be provided to the Responsible Authority for approval prior to construction.
Dial Before You Dig services be used prior to construction. If any existing or future service or public utility plant will require relocating, the alternative alignment will comply with the standards and design specifications of the relevant service or public utility provider, and any costs of relocation are to be borne by the developer.
7.0 Cabling Requests:
‘Confirmation that all AC/DC cabling will be undergrounded, with no overhead lines.;’
As seen in the site layout plan presented in Appendix B, all onsite cabling at 33 kV or above is proposed to be located underground.
8.0 Land Use
Requests:
‘Clarification of whether the land will continue to be grazed post-construction, or alternatively how grasses and/or weeds will be managed during operation;’
As stated in section 5.1.2 of the Planning Report, the solar farm site has the potential to continue to accommodate some grazing whilst operational. Although the design will accommodate grazing, it will depend on seasonal factors and commercial arrangements around land agistment. Where it’s not appropriate to use grazing as a form of grass and weed management, additional measures will be used such as;
• Slashing / mowing • Spraying • General maintenance
Further details of the management procedures during the operation of the solar farm will be provided as part of the environmental management plan.
6
9.0 Landscaping
Requests: ‘Confirmation of location and extent of landscape / amenity screen plantings (note: more detailed plans confirming species selections etc can be a condition of consent).’
As detailed in section 5.1.5 of the Planning Report, and presented in Appendix B, the area around the O&M building and battery storage area will be landscaped with species of local provenance. Although the species and locations of each have yet to be designed, the vegetation would be designed to form a buffer of width approximately 5m to screen the buildings, therefore making them less visually intrusive.
A landscaping plan will be prepared prior to construction which will details the species selection and location.
7
APPENDIX A – Further information request
1 December 2017
Jeremy Ellis
TILT Renewables Pty Ltd
PO Box 16080
Collins Street West
MELBOURNE VIC 8007
Dear Mr Ellis
Application Number: 373/L002/17
Applicant: Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd
Proposed Development: Construction of a 45MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm
with supporting infrastructure, including associated
inverters and transformers, operations and maintenance
building, battery storage area, security fencing and
internal access tracks and carparking.
Subject Land: Wokurna Road, Wokurna
I refer to the above development proposal lodged with the State Commission Assessment Panel
(SCAP) on 24 November 2017.
In order that a proper assessment can be made of your proposal, you are requested to provide
the following additional information:
1. An appropriately scaled and dimensioned site plan (1:500), including the setback of
any proposed buildings or structures from the boundary of the site;
2. The approximate position of the access point(s) to the project site from Wokurna Road;
3. The approximate location and layout of all proposed buildings on the land – including
dimensions, elevations, cross sections, floor plates and materials of construction – and
the location of the staff / employee carpark;
4. The approximate location, layout, dimension and specification of the solar panel arrays
(including a representative cross section of a typical PV module) and associated
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FACILITYGENERAL ARRANGEMENT
OPTION 2
8015V-GE-D-3801-2 B
INDIC
ATIV
E
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FR
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DW
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PATCH PANEL
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WATER TANK
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MUD ROOM
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OFFICE 2
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KITCHEN
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SHELF/RACK
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1
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2
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3
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4
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DB
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OFFICE BUILDING
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WORKSHOP
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STORAGE
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UPS
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WC
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UTILITIES
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WATER TANK
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OFFICE 1
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HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STORAGE AREA
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REINFORCED CONCRETE
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BW
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BR
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MG
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NTS
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FOR INFORMATION
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A
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FOR TENDER
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09/03/17
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B
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FOR INFORMATION
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05/05/2017
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NOTES: 1. LAYOUT IS INDICATIVE ONLY AND SUBJECT LAYOUT IS INDICATIVE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOLLOWING DETAILED DESIGN. 2. FITOUT AND FURNISHINGS SHOWN ARE FITOUT AND FURNISHINGS SHOWN ARE SUGGESTED ONLY, ALL FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT BY OTHERS.
LAST PLOT Michael Wasson @ 6-Jun-17 5:04:16 PM FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWGMichael Wasson @ 6-Jun-17 5:04:16 PM FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWG @ 6-Jun-17 5:04:16 PM FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWG6-Jun-17 5:04:16 PM FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWG 5:04:16 PM FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWG5:04:16 PM FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWG FROM Z:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWGZ:\15.0 PROJECTS\ZX900 - GENERAL CONSULTING\ZX900 WO 258195 - TILT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT\WO258195-A - SNOWTOWN\4. DRAWINGS LAYOUTS AND GOOGLE EARTH\258195A-EL-D-1241(A) PROJECT DIAGRAM & TRACKING SYSTEM ELEVATION.DWG
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NOTES: 1. FOR TENDER. INDICATIVE ONLY, SUBJECT TO FOR TENDER. INDICATIVE ONLY, SUBJECT TO CHANGE DURING DETAILED DESIGN. 2. PV MODULE OUTPUT, INVERTER SIZING AND PV MODULE OUTPUT, INVERTER SIZING AND QUANTITY, DC RETICULATION VOLTAGES, TRANSFORMER SIZING SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF FULL NOTICE TO PROCEED DATE. 3. TYPE OF FOUNDATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE TYPE OF FOUNDATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOLLOWING DETAILED DESIGN. 4. MV ISOLATION SWITCHES NOT SHOWN FOR MV ISOLATION SWITCHES NOT SHOWN FOR SIMPLICITY. 5. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INDICATIVE AND ALL DIMENSIONS ARE INDICATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 6. INVERTERS MAY BE OVERLOADED BY PV INVERTERS MAY BE OVERLOADED BY PV ARRAY TO A CALCULATED LIMIT REFLECTING BEST COST OF ENERGY. REFER LOSS CALCULATION. 7. STANDARD CONFIGURATION SHOWN ONLY. STANDARD CONFIGURATION SHOWN ONLY. ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS NOT SHOWN FOR SIMPLICITY.
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ELEVATION VIEW - PV ARRAY - SINGLE AXIS TRACKING LAYOUT
