Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

2011-2012 AEMR
3.8 Weeds
3.8.1 Environmental Management
The FFMP details the weed control measures used
to minimise the potential for weed invasion. These
include identification of weed infestations during
pre-clearance surveys, removal of weeds or
application of approved herbicides and follow-up
inspections to assess effectiveness of the weed
management measures implemented.
Only certified personnel who have completed the
ChemCert Farm Chemicals User Course, the
SMART Train Chemical User qualification or
equivalent undertake weed control at WCPL. All
activities are conducted in accordance with the
Pesticides Amendment (Records) Regulation 2002.
Weed sighting sheets have been developed and are
made available to all personnel. The sighting sheets
assist with prioritising weed control works and
identifying problem areas. During the reporting
period WCPL engaged a weed contractor to assist
with the ongoing (monthly) weed control. All areas
that are inspected and controlled are entered into
GIS database to assist in the management of weeds
across the entire site (see Figure 3.19).
3.8.2 Environmental Performance
3.8.2.1 Remnant Woodland Enhancement
Areas
A comprehensive weed control program within
Remnant Woodland Areas continued during the
reporting period. The target species of the weed
control program included African Olive, Mother of
Millions, Creeping Pear, Tiger Pear, Purple Top,
Caster Oil Plant, Galenia and African Boxthorn.
North Wambo Creek and Stony Creek. Continued
monitoring will be undertaken during 2011-2012 to
determine if there is any seasonal variation in the
weed species present. All weed control work is
performed in accordance with the Cattle Care
requirements.
3.8.2.3 Open Cut Rehabilitation
Weed control programs continued within areas of
the Open Cut rehabilitation. Several methods of
weed control have historically been employed,
including weed spraying, burying and competition
planting.
3.9 Feral Animal Control
3.9.1 Environmental Management
The FFMP details the feral animal control measures
used to minimise the threat to native fauna and
comply with the requirements of the Rural Lands
Protection Act, 1998. Programs to assess the
status of pest populations, implementation of pest
control measures, implementation of mandatory
pest control for any declared pests (i.e. rabbits, pigs
and wild dogs) and follow-up inspections to assess
effectiveness of the control measures implemented
are carried out on an annual basis.
3.9.2 Environmental Performance
During the reporting period WCPL completed an
extensive feral animal control program. The
vertebrate pest control program was undertaken in
during January/February 2012 and during May 2012
throughout the RWEP areas, around WCPL
infrastructure and WCPL owned buffer lands.
Follow up spraying continued in this reporting
period, to enhance previous spraying campaigns.
Weed spraying in RWEP A and the Rail Loop areas
reduced significantly the areas infested by Creeping
Pear. The weed control program also focussed on
reducing the number of African Olive trees across
WCPL landholdings.
WCPL weed control program and continued
monitoring will be undertaken during 2012-2013 to
determine if there is any seasonal variation in the
weed species present.
3.8.2.2 North Wambo, South Wambo and
Stoney Creeks
During the reporting period weed control was
undertaken along potions of South Wambo Creek,
Jan/Feb 2012 Dog Baiting Locations
The aim of the program was to target wild dogs that
had been reported in and surrounding the
Warkworth area. Feral species control is an integral
component of Wambo’s long term flora and fauna
enhancement program.
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