Terms of Reference - North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation

• presence and distribution of known marine pests• aquatic and benthic substrate• aquatic substrate and stream type, including extent of tidal influence and commonlevels such as highest astronomical tide and mean high water springs.Describe any wetlands listed by Department of Environment and Heritage Protection asareas of national, state or regional significance and detail their values and importancefor aquatic flora and fauna species.FloraDefine the nature and extent of existing marine features such as littoral and sub-littorallands, waterways, affected tidal and subtidal lands, corals and marine vegetation (e.g.aquatic plants, salt couch, seagrass and mangroves) within the proposed area ofdevelopment and in the areas adjacent to the project.Conduct field assessments for plant species, preferably in both pre- and post-wetseason conditions, as follows:• record site data in a form compatible with the Queensland Herbarium CORVEGdatabase• record a complete list of species present at each site, including those speciesdefined and protected under the Fisheries Act• record the relative abundance of plant species present• identify any plant species of conservation, cultural, commercial or recreationalsignificance• submit specimens of species listed as protected plants under the NatureConservation (Wildlife) Regulation (other than common species) to the QueenslandHerbarium for identification and entry into the HERBRECS database.Marine faunaDescribe the marine fauna, such as turtles, dugongs, dolphins, whales, sharks, seasnakes and rays that may be impacted by the proposed development.Consult DNPRSR and GBRMPA and undertake a desktop review of information on theturtle communities of the study area, paying specific attention to any anecdotal orrecorded information on turtle populations frequenting the port area and any knownnesting sites. Describe the turtle species in proximity to the project area.The proponent should monitor turtle nesting along beaches near the proposed projectarea in the turtle nesting seasons for turtle species occurring in the area.Undertake a baseline study on noise in the marine environment.Fish habitatDescribe the nature, extent and condition of fish habitats that have the potential to beimpacted, with particular reference to fish nursery habitat. The location and density ofmarine plants should be mapped at an appropriate scale.Show the location of any declared fish habitat areas proximate to the proposeddevelopment site.- 42 - Contents of the EISDudgeon Point Coal Terminals ProjectTerms of reference for an environmental impact statement