Managing and rehabilitating the environment along the pipeline corridor is critical to the construction and operation of the NPI - Stage 2.

The NNA has been following a vigorous process to ensure all necessary issues have been identified and managed.

The following provides an overview of that process.

Environmental management process

Environmental impact statement

All projects that potentially impact on the environment require approval from the Queensland Government, and in some cases the Australian Government, before work begins.

In 2007, the Queensland Coordinator-General (CG) and the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Resources determined the NPI - Stage 2 required an environmental impact statement (EIS) to be developed for state and federal governments’ evaluation.

For more information on the EIS, click here.

The EIS was released for public comment between 17 January and 9 March 2009.

In December 2009, following Queensland Government approval, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NPI - Stage 2 was provided to the Australian Government's Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts for assessment.

The Australian Government has now completed the assessment of the EIS and has given approval for the project to proceed.

Construction started on Monday 15 February 2010. 

Construction environment management plan

Based on the findings of the EIS, a construction environment management plan has been developed.

This plan provides a framework for managing the environment during construction and identifies specific environmental issues that will require a more detailed environment management plan for each phase of the project.

Environment management plan

The overall purpose of an environment management plan is to detail how the environment will be protected and enhanced. By having these plans for the project, potential environmental impacts can by minimised.

Areas covered by these plans include:

• soil and water management (erosion and sediment control)
• dust, noise and vibration management
• waste management
• weed and pest management
• flora and fauna management
• rehabilitation.

The plans are developed in consultation with the Queensland Government’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Work method statements

Work method statements are used to instruct workers on what needs to be done for particular activities and areas across the project. This includes information that directs clear and grade activity, creek crossings, tunneling, trenching, rehabilitation, laydown areas and site office establishment.

As with the environment management plans, the work method statements will be reviewed to ensure the best methods are being implemented in the field.