Assessment
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Athletes Village
Executive Summary
This Environmental Impact Assessment Report has been prepared for the proposed
2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village (CGV). The project site is located at 1
Parklands Drive Southport, QLD 4216 and is situated near Griffith University and the
Gold Coast University Hospital. The CGV will house 6,500 athletes and staff from over 70
competing nations during the Commonwealth Games. The CGV will then be transformed
into the residential component of the newly formed Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The project will be broken down into four main phases; early works, construction,
games phase and legacy phase. During each of these phases numerous main activities
will be completed, all of which are available in EFCs Scoping Report.
Evaluation tables were used to assess potential environmental and social impacts of the
CGV. The impacts were assessed in a total of four separate areas; magnitude, temporal,
ecological and social. The major impacts that were identified are; Habitat loss, socioeconomic, noise pollution, air pollution, erosion and water pollution. The minor impacts
that were identified are; Pests, cultural impact, waste and visual amenity. The full
results of the scoping study can be accessed in the Appendix.
The majority of major impacts did not require prediction modelling as the intensity and
magnitude was known. However, modelling was required for traffic congestion and
noise pollution as the extent of these impacts are much harder to predict. Successful
case studies and policies as well as relevant literature were used to identify mitigation
and monitoring strategies for all major and minor impacts. More in depth information
regarding major and minor impacts can be found in the relevant sections of the report.
Several stakeholders were identified for the CGV project, such as the Griffith University,
Gold Coast University Hospital, Queensland Government, residents, athletes and
community groups. Each stakeholder will be consulted using various communication
protocols such as industry meetings, private meetings and focus groups. A full list of
stakeholders and types of engagements can be found in the relevant section of this
report.
Three types of project alternatives were put forward for consideration; no alternative,
change of location and design alternative. However, EFC highly recommends that only
design alternatives should be implemented due to the socio-economic importance that
the CGV has within the local community and the remainder of the Gold Coast.
Based on the findings of the EIA process EFC recommends the project be approved,
provided the mitigation measures are adhered to and the monitoring of these measures
are implemented. The main reasons for this decision is that the major impacts from the
activities of the project are not too severe or irredeemable and the socio-economic role
that the CGV will play within Gold Coast and the local community.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 2
List of Figures and Tables............................................................................................................. 6
List of Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
Project Outline.............................................................................................................................. 7
Project Location ........................................................................................................................... 8
Screening Summary .................................................................................................................... 9
Scoping Summary ...................................................................................................................... 10
List of Abbreviations
ABS
AFL
CBD
CGV
DTMR
EDQ
EIA
EPA
EPBC
EFC
GCCC
GLA
Ha
Hectare
IAPPA
KDO
PDA
SDPOWA
SPA
1. Introduction
Environment First Consultancy (EFC) has prepared this Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) report of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Village. The
report includes the screening of relevant EIA legislation as well as the scoping
evaluation of the major and minor environmental and social impacts caused by the
activities throughout the life of the proposed development. Mitigation measures are
then advised for each major and minor impact to reduce potential severity of these
impacts. Based on these mitigation measures predictions are made and new values are
assigned to each impact using an evaluation table. Advice on stakeholder interactions
and public involvement in the EIA process is also presented. Finally, project alternatives
are offered with recommendations on the best options for the project with a final
decision on project approval.
2. Background Section
The following background section is a summary of the EFCs Scoping Report. The
section will outline the project, identify the location of the project and summarise the
findings from respective screening and scoping studies. For more detailed information
on any part of the background section, refer to the Scoping Report.
2.1.
Project Outline
The Commonwealth Games Village (CGV) will house 6,500 athletes and staff from over
70 competing nations. The project includes 1,253 townhouse and apartment style
dwellings as well as various mixed use developments and a substantial open
recreational space (Queensland Government 2014 B). After the Commonwealth Games,
the project will enter a legacy phase where the Village will be transformed into the
residential component of the newly formed Health and Knowledge Precinct
(Queensland Government 2014 A; Queensland Government 2013 B).
The project will be broken down in four main phases; early works, construction, Games
phase and legacy phase. There are numerous main activities that will be completed
during each stage such as the demolition of existing buildings, bulk earth works and the
upgrading of Smith Street Motorway. For a full list of activities that will occur in each
stage, please refer to EFCs scoping report (Environment First Consultancy 2014).
2.2.
Project Location
As shown in Figure 1, the CGV is located on the Northern end of the Gold Coast,
approximately 3.6km from the Southport CBD and 8.1km from Surfers Paradise. The
Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University neighbour the site with the
Southport Sharks AFL club situated nearby. The lot details of the site are displayed in
Table 1.
Table 1. Lot details of project site.
Property Address
Coordinates
-27.961721, 153.387772
Lot Number
Property Number
SP267761
Parish
Nerang (Division 6)
Size of Lot
293,400m2 (29.3Ha)
2.3.
Screening Summary
The project was assessed against other legislation such as the Environmental Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) and State Development and Public Work
Organisation Act (SDPWOA) however; due to the uniqueness of the project these Acts
were no longer relevant. It was noted that under EDQ legislation no formal EIA is
required, though it was recommended that one be undertaken due to significance of the
project and its concrete deadline (Queensland Government 2014 C).
2.4.
Scoping Summary
A scoping matrix was used to assess potential environmental and social impacts of the
CGV. A 500m radius around the boundary of the site was included in the scoping study
to make sure the magnitude and intensity of each impact was properly assessed. As
seen in Table 4 of Appendix A, the impacts were assessed in a total of four separate
areas; magnitude, temporal, ecological and social and given a score ranging from
minimal (1) to catastrophic (5). Finally the mean rating of each impact was calculated to
identify the major and minor impacts of the CGV (see Table 2).
Table 2. Major and minor impact of CGV
Major Impact
Minor Impact
Habitat loss
Pest
Socio-economics
Cultural impact
Noise pollution
Waste
Air pollution
Visual amenity
Erosion
Water pollution
An impact was deemed major if its overall rating was above moderate (3) or that the
majority of scores were rated as moderate (3) over all areas of the matrix (E.g. Noise
and air pollution). To be considered a minor impact, the overall score of the impact had
to be rated as minimal (1) or minor (2).
10
Figure 2. Original regional ecosystem condition (Modified Queensland Government 2014 C).
11
Figure 3. Current regional ecosystem condition (Modified Queensland Government 2014 C).
B-Endangerment of species
During the early works phase of the project, trees will be removed as part of the
upgrade of Smith Street Motorway. Fauna species will be endangered by heavy
machinery as well as falling debris. Increased danger may also occur with fleeing
animals moving onto roads and being hit by oncoming traffic.
C- Loss of nesting and other "protective" habitats
The clearing of vegetation will result in a substantial loss of nest and "protective"
habitats. This negatively impacts fauna such as birds, possums and gliders as they use
hollows in trees for protection and raising their young. Other protective habitats such as
fallen trees and burrows, which provide small fauna protection from predation and
weather, will also be lost.
D-Negative effects on endangered species
Loss of habitat within the surrounding ecosystem could result in negative impacts such
as loss of food, breeding success and loss in local population. The koala will be majorly
affected with loss of trees resulting in loss of food and range (Queensland Government
2014 C). The Swift Parrot, which comes North in the winter from Tasmania, may also
become locally extinct if its habitat becomes too small forcing the parrot to choose a
more suitable habitat to migrate to (Queensland Government 2014 C).
12
13
Figure 4. Land uses surrounding the CGV site (Modified GCCC 2008).
14
Economic structure
Southport is considered as the central business district of the Gold Coast with its main
industries being health, retail and commercial as well as government administration.
Southport has the largest share of office space within the Gold Coast (149,240 m2) and
has 4,926 registered businesses, which will continue to grow as the suburb is
redeveloped (Queensland Government 2014 A). According to the ABS (2013), health
care and social assistance is the biggest employer within Southport (14.4%) followed
closely by accommodation (13.3%) and retail trade (12.3%).
A prediction model was required for traffic congestion as this impact was much harder
to identify its scale and magnitude. Both macro and microcomputer simulation models
were used such as TRANSYT and AIMSUN to accurately predict travel patterns and
driver behaviour (Australian Road Research Board 2009). The results were then used to
identify the travel cost and business cost of traffic congestion and how it would
ultimately affect economic productivity (Weisbrod et al. 2003). Scientific literature was
then used to help formulate successful mitigation strategies.
15
will continue to experience traffic delays, as more motorists will want to take advantage
of the upgraded infrastructure; however the impact is not predicted to be as significant.
B-Degradation of existing roadways
There will be a substantial amount of heavy machinery transported in and out of the
development during the early works and construction phase. The existing road surface
(in particular Parklands Drive) will not be able to sustain the physical pressure of the
heavy machinery, which will result in numerous cracks and potholes appearing
(Trzciski et al. 2013). As the roadways surrounding the CGV are constantly used by
motorists, it is imperative that the infrastructure is upgraded to handle this pressure.
C-Employment
The development of the CGV will mean a substantial increase in employment within the
Southport area. Overall there will be more than 1,500 jobs created, predominately
during the construction phase where there will be a high need for skilled tradespeople
(Queensland Government 2014 B). Furthermore, employment within the local
community will also increase from the additional spending that is associated with the
development.
D-Housing
After the completion of the Commonwealth Games, the CGV will be transformed into the
residential component of the Health and Knowledge Precinct. The majority of the units
and townhouses will be used as affordable housing options for the local community, in
particular Griffith University students. The mixed-use development will include various
retail shops that will be used by residents, Griffith University and the Gold Coast
University Hospital (Queensland Government 2014 B).
16
works should be provided to the public one month in advance so motorists will know to
use alternative routes when possible. This should be combined with public transport
campaign to help reduce the number of motor vehicles on the Smith Street Motorway
during the upgrade (ACT Government 2010). Finally, left hand turn slip lanes should be
employed at all signalised T intersections surrounding the CGV to help reduce traffic
build up (Queensland Government 2013 A).
B-Degradation of existing roadways
Access roads for the CGV (in particular Parklands Drive) should be upgraded so the
infrastructure can handle the physical pressure of heavy machinery being transported
in and out of the development (Queensland Government 2013 A; Queensland
Government 2013 C). The upgrade should commence from the outset as the heavy
machinery will predominately be used during the early works and construction phases.
To prevent further traffic disruption, the access roads should be upgraded before road
works on Smith Street Motorway commence.
C-Employment
Potential equity issues may occur within the local community as the CGV will
predominately employ skilled tradespeople. However, the CGV will provide an
economic boost to the local community throughout all stages of development, which
will help to alleviate this issue. Community focus groups should be implemented at six
monthly intervals throughout the project so that the local community can voice their
concern if they believe there is an equity issue.
D-Housing
Possible equity issues may again occur in the allocation of the affordable housing.
University students and people associated with the Gold Coast University Hospital
would have priority in the allocation of units and townhouses. However, there will be a
designated amount of housing available for the remainder of the public. Community
consultation groups should be set up prior to the legacy phase so that public interest
can be monitored and the allocation of the affordable housing can be altered if
necessary.
17
18
19
In addition to these mitigation measures it is also advised to inform the local residents,
Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University of the operation hours including
what noisy activities will be undertaken and when. Public information signs should also
be displayed with details on who to contact if there are any excessive disturbances. This
can reduce hostility towards the project and gives the opportunity to address the
concerns of the local people.
20
21
22
The terrain slopes North-West towards a large watercourse situated at the Northern
part of the site. The site has a low risk of flooding; however in general the site is situated
at a lower elevation to the surrounding landscape (Figure 6). The main site has no major
bushland however, the north and south-east of the site contains blackbutt forest (Figure
3).
The construction of infrastructure and the upgrade of roads both on-site and within the
boundaries of the project, i.e. Smith Street Motorway, will require bulk earthworks to
remove and relocate large quantities of soil and the clearing of existing vegetation. The
early works and construction phase covers a period from mid-2013 to late 2017 and its
extent will reach the majority of the 29.3Ha, including the area of Smith Street
Motorway upgrade. It is expected the majority of the earthworks will be situated toward
the Eastern side of the site due to the descending terrain along with the construction of
the main access road into the CGV.
23
B-Silt build up
There is a mid / high potential for erosion on-site from the Eastern entrance towards
the West and North due to the high level of earthworks situated in that area of the site.
These sections of the site slope downward away from the entrance, toward a large
watercourse potentially increasing silt and sediment build up. This has the potential to
impact any aquatic species within the watercourse.
As a result of the activities that will take place during the early works and construction
phases the potential for soil erosion as an impact on the CGV site is considered major.
Soil erosion and sedimentation is predicted to be an issue through those phases and
although in some instances the impact has a low rating, it is its' repeatable presence on
the prediction matrix which gives it a major value and a high consideration for
mitigation measures.
24
Figure 6. Map showing subject site in relation to problem drainage areas (Modified from GCCC 2008).
25
26
27
9. Minor Impacts
9.1. Minor Impact: Pests
9.1.1. Baseline Conditions
Pests are predicted to be evident during the Games and Legacy Phase where uncollected
rubbish could result in an increase in pest species such as rodents, wild dogs and
rabbits.
9.1.2. Mitigation and Monitoring
In order to mitigate or monitor this impact, site hygiene will be of great use as leaving
food scraps and an accumulation of damaged building materials can attract these pest
species. As this impact is considered to be of minimal concern the use of pest
monitoring or other programs are not deemed necessary.
28
29
After mitigation strategies were put in place, most of the major impacts declined in scale
and magnitude (Appendix A, Table 5). This resulted in socio-economic, noise pollution,
air pollution, erosion and water pollution all down grading from a major impact to a
minor impact. Habitat loss is much harder to effectively mitigate unless the
development is redesigned or moved to another location. The mitigation strategies
suggested for habitat loss would reduce the problem, however it would still remain a
major impact. Therefore for this project to be approved, the impact on habitat loss must
be regularly monitored and taken into consideration in all design aspects of the CGV.
30
The impacts associated with the development range in varying degree from one
stakeholder to another; this means that the method for addressing these issues also
varies greatly between each stakeholder (IAPPA 2014). As a result, four different
communication protocols are used to address each stakeholder group, they include;
private meetings, focus groups, community meetings, and industry briefings. Private
meetings and community meetings will occur at the beginning and end of development
to ensure early concerns are addressed. Any concerns or issues that arise during
development can be addressed through progress meetings which will occur every six
months.
Other communication tools such as industry briefings and focus groups will meet on
separate time frames. Industry briefings will be held once at the beginning to select
correct developer/s and contractors to carry out the CGV project. Focus groups will be
formed at the beginning of the development and consulted once every three months.
These communication protocols will be the primary tool in notifying, informing,
consulting and involving stakeholders (IAPPA 2014). Beyond this other methods for
engagement will include, mail pamphlets, call centres and newsletters.
31
Focus Group
Private Meeting
Griffith University
G. C. Uni Hospital
Increased Traffic
Increased Noise
Private Meeting
Government
Increased Traffic
Increased Noise
Road congestion
Shop Owners
Increased Traffic
Increased Noise
Reduced
Business due to
road
construction and
congestion
Lowering of
company
aesthetics from
nearby air
pollution
Has Commercial
interest in
development
Developers
Has interest as
development has to
conform to building
codes
Residents
(Current + Future)
STAKEHOLDERS
Community
Meeting
Figure 7. Stakeholder concept map.
Competing
Contractors
Controls Building
Codes
Has Commercial
Interest
Industry Briefing
Increased Traffic
Increased Noise
Increased air and
water pollution
Cumulative effects
could lead to
devaluation of
land packages in
the area
Community
Meeting
Athletes
Increased Noise
Increased Air
pollution
Community Groups
Increased traffic
Air pollution
32
Industry Briefing
Figure 8. Stakeholder concept map.
Focus Group
Community
Meeting
No project alternative
Change of location
33
After assessing all possible alternatives, EFC recommends that only design
alternatives should be implemented. A major reason for this decision is the
socio-economic importance that the CGV has within the local community as well
as the remainder of the Gold Coast. Furthermore the CGV is an integral part of a
new strategic vision for the Southport area and without it, the proposed Health
and Knowledge Precinct could not be established.
13. Recommendation
Based on the findings of the EIA process, EFC recommends that the project gains
approval provided the mitigation measures are adhered to and the monitoring of
these measures be implemented. The major impacts from the activities of the
project are not too severe or irredeemable and the application of the mitigation
measures will assist in reducing the environmental and social impacts of the
project. The project itself will stimulate economic growth in Queensland and the
Gold Coast and ultimately the Games themselves will have a positive effect on the
Gold Coast economically. For the site itself, the construction of the Games Village
will be an integral part of the Health and Knowledge Precinct, therefore
important for the local community of Southport.
34
List of References
ACT Government 2010, Morisset Road upgrade and extension: Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (online), Available:
<http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/26863/Appendi
x_K_-_Risk_Assessment_Table.pdf> (3 October 2014).
ACT Planning and Land Authority n.d. Preparation for an application for scoping
(online), Available:
<www.actpla.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf.../Application_for_scoping.pdf>
(15 October 2014).
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013, 2011 Quick Census Stats (online), Available:
<http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/20
11/quickstat/SED30075?opendocument&navpos=220 > (8 October 2014).
Australian Road Research Board 2009, Traffic modelling techniques (online),
Available:
<http://www.arrb.com.au/admin/file/content2/c7/msim_ns1371_Pnote_2_j
ul09.pdf> (2 October 2014).
Bondar-Nowakowska, E. & Hacho, J. 2014, The risk as a measure of ecological safety
in watercourses, Journal of Water and Land Development, vol. 20, no. 1, pp.
310-315.
Environment First Consultancy 2014, 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village
Scoping Report.
Environmental Protection Mid-Suffolk District Council 2014, Noise from construction
sites (online),
Available:http://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/environmentalprotection/neighbour-problems-concerning-noise-or-
pollution/noise-
35
Erftemeijer, P., Riegl, B., Hoeksema, B., Todd, P. 2012, 'Environmental impacts of
dredging and other sediment disturbances on corals: A review', Marine
Pollution Bulletin, vol. 64, pp. 1737-1765.
Gold Coast City Council 2009, Domain Map Southport (online), Available:
<http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/gcplanningscheme_1111/maps_
domain.html> (28 August 2014).
Gold Coast City Council 2014, Planning and Development Online (online), Available:
<http://pdonline.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/masterview/modules/propertymaster
/default.aspx?page=wrapper&key=332555 > (27 September 2014).
Greater London Authority 2006, 'The control of dust and emissions from
construction and demolition- Best Practice Guide', Greater London Authority
& London Councils (online), Available:<
http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/archives/mayor-environmentair_quality-docs-construction-dust-bpg.pdf> (24 October 2014).
Harden, C.P., Chartrand, K.J. & Henry, E. 2010, Temporal Variability of Bank Erosion
in East Tennessee Headwater Streams, Southeastern Geographer, vol. 50,
no. 4, pp. 484-502.
International Association for Public Participation Australasia 2014, Public
Participation Spectrum (online), Available:
<http://www.iap2.org.au/resources/iap2s-public-participation-spectrum >
(26 October 2014).
Kim, J., Cohn, L. & Shu, N. 2013, Effects of median barriers on highway noise levels,
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 133, no. 5, pp. 35883595.
36
37
38
Trzciski, G., Sieniawski, W. & Moskalik, T. 2013, Effects of timber loads on gross
vehicle weight, Forestry, vol. 55, no. 4, pp. 159-167.
VDM Consulting 2012, Erosion and sediment control plan (online), Available:
<http://www.oresome.com.au/attachments/23._DW100086C0302EIAMs001
7_Appendix_4.8_Erosion_and_Sediment_Control_Plan
October 2014).
Weisbrod, G., Vary, D. & Treyz, G. 2003, Measuring the economic cost of urban
traffic congestion to business, Journal of Transportation Research Board
(online), Available:<http://www.edrgroup.com/pdf/weisbrodcongestiontrr2003.pdf> (19 October 2014).
Witheridge, B. 2012. 'Erosion and Sediment Control A Field Guide for Construction
Site Managers'. Catchments & Creeks Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Queensland,
Available: <http://www.catchmentsandcreeks.com.au/docs/Erosion-andSediment-Control-A-Field-Guide-for-Construction-Site- Managers-screen.pdf
(21 October 2014).
39
40
Table4.PredictedImpactsofGoldCoastCommonwealthGamesVillage
Activity
Phase
Impacts
Magnitude
Spatial
Ecological
Early works
Increased air pollution from the materials and carbon emissions from machinery
Number of
people
2
Early works
3
2
1
2
2
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
Early works
3
2
3
4
4
4
2
3
5
4
2
3
Early works
Early Works
1
2
3
3
3
2
1
3
2
3
3
3
3
4
Intensity
Values
Social
Sensitivity
Heritage
Overall
Political
Mean
Economic
14
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
14
10
11
2
1
1
5
4
1
1
1
1
4
1
5
3
1
1
5
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
30
20
15
15
4
3
2
2
1
4
2
3
2
3
1
4
1
1
3
4
3
1
4
1
4
1
5
2
1
1
1
2
4
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
1
1
5
1
19
18
15
14
23
18
2
2
2
2
3
2
4
1
3
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
4
1
5
15
21
2
3
28
3
2
2
3
2
4
3
4
5
1
3
5
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
5
1
1
2
14
15
29
2
2
4
12
Early Works
Construction
phase
Construction
phase
2
3
4
2
3
4
1
1
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
2
15
15
23
2
2
3
Construction
phase
Construction
phase
14
13
15
Construction
phase
14
Games phase
2
1
3
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
12
10
2
1
Vehicular movement
Games phase
12
14
Noise disruption
Habitat degradation from littering
Noise pollution from rubbish collection trucks
Air pollution from rubbish collection trucks
1
1
3
3
2
3
2
3
1
2
1
1
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
14
14
14
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
3
3
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
18
15
15
2
2
2
Games phase
Games phase
Legacy phase
Legacy phase
14
13
Legacy phase
3
4
2
3
2
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
13
15
2
2
21
3
4
2
3
2
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
13
15
2
2
41
Legacy phase
Table5.Predictedimpactsaftermitigationstrategiesareputinplace
Activity
Phase
Early works
Early works
Early works
Early works
Early Works
Early Works
Construction
phase
Construction
phase
Construction
phase
Construction
phase
Impacts
Increased air pollution from the materials and carbon emissions from machinery
Noise pollution from machinery
Air pollution from waste
Health & safety of humans from harmful toxicants
Habitat loss of endangered ecosystem on the eastern boundary
Erosion from destruction of root systems of existing trees
Noise pollution from machinery
Air pollution from carbon emissions of machinery to demolish vegetation
Magnitude
Spatial
Intensity
Values
Ecological
Sensitivity
Social
Number of
people
Overall
Heritage
Political
Mean
Economic
14
12
11
22
17
13
11
18
14
11
11
22
15
11
19
28
11
12
29
12
13
11
19
14
12
11
12
11
10
Construction
phase
Games phase
Vehicular movement
Games phase
12
11
10
12
13
13
11
12
11
12
13
12
11
16
12
11
Games phase
Games phase
Legacy phase
Legacy phase
Legacy phase
42
Legacy phase
Minimal
1
Magnitude
Minor
2
Spatial
Intensity
Temporal
Duration
Timing
Ecological
Values
Sensitivity
Social
Number
of people
Heritage
Political
Economic
Magnitude
Spatial
Intensity
Temporal
Duration
Timing
Ecological
Values
Sensitivity
Social
Number
of people
Heritage
Political
Economic
43
Moderate
3
Major
4
Catastrophic
5
The area over which the impact will occur, from square meters to
square kilometers
The level of impact within the spatial area, from minor disruption
to total destruction. A low intensity impact over a large area
could be worse than a high intensity impact in a small area,
depending on upon other elements.
The length of time of the impact, from a single event to
a permanent change.
Short term events may create significant impacts if they occur
often. They may also coincide with particularly sensitive times in
the receiving environment such as breeding cycles.
The quality of the receiving environment, generally identified
through the declaration of conservation areas, identification of
protected species and other features of natural conservation
value.
The capacity of the receiving environment to regenerate or adapt
to the impact (resilience). The sensitivity of an environment to a
potential impact will require informed judgment.
The number of people directly or indirectly affected through lost
opportunities for enjoyment or other values such as equity or
existence values.
The impact on known or possible items of heritage or cultural
value.
The measure of the likely political implications or level of
community interest.
The financial cost of the impact through lost productivity or the
cost of remediation.
The area over which the impact will occur, from square meters to
square kilometers
The level of impact within the spatial area, from minor disruption
to total destruction. A low intensity impact over a large area
could be worse than a high intensity impact in a small area,
depending on upon other elements.
The length of time of the impact, from a single event to
a permanent change.
Short term events may create significant impacts if they occur
often. They may also coincide with particularly sensitive times in
the receiving environment such as breeding cycles.
The quality of the receiving environment, generally identified
through the declaration of conservation areas, identification of
protected species and other features of natural conservation
value.
The capacity of the receiving environment to regenerate or adapt
to the impact (resilience). The sensitivity of an environment to a
potential impact will require informed judgment.
The number of people directly or indirectly affected through lost
opportunities for enjoyment or other values such as equity or
existence values.
The impact on known or possible items of heritage or cultural
value.
The measure of the likely political implications or level of
community interest.
The financial cost of the impact through lost productivity or the
cost of remediation.
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