Environmental monitoring underway on Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
Let’s explore what environmental monitoring is, why we do it, and what we’re doing on the proposed Borumba Project site.
In May, Queensland Hydro will commence the next round of koala monitoring across the footprint of the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project site. Delivered by Umwelt, Ninox and the University of the Sunshine Coast, this will see a combination of methods used, including thermal drone surveys and detector dogs, to help us better understand koala movement and interactions.
These surveys are one of many types of environmental monitoring activities being undertaken by Queensland Hydro to help us design the proposed Project to avoid, minimise, mitigate or offset any potential environmental impacts.
As a renewable energy project, our intent is to be nature positive, delivering environmental gains over and above the long-term climate benefits of our pumped hydro project. For example, our Borumba Project will enable up to 4 million tonnes of CO2 to be avoided each year.
Let’s explore what environmental monitoring is, why we do it, and what we’re doing on the Borumba Project site.
Why is environmental monitoring work important?
We understand that the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project has many areas of high conservation value. We intend to do our projects right – which means right for both the environment and the communities near our proposed projects.
Data collected from environmental monitoring will help us manage potential impacts from the Project’s exploratory works, as well as inform the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The EIS will be used by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the Queensland Government to robustly assess our approach as part of their considerations once we finalise and submit final approvals documentation.
What kind of environmental monitoring work is underway?
Teams of specialists are in the area surveying and assessing soil and contamination, plants and animals, cultural heritage, visual amenity, and hydrology, as well as undertaking aerial surveys using planes and drones.
Queensland Hydro has also engaged specialists to gather baseline data and monitor noise, water quality, air quality (dust) and flooding throughout the exploratory works and development of the EIS.
Environmental monitoring activities may include:
- noise and vibration monitoring, placed throughout all approved works.
- water quality monitoring in nearby streams and creeks. This monitoring will take place monthly for up to two years.
- air quality monitoring, including dust monitoring from increased trucks and vehicles.
- permanent flood gauges, weather stations and cameras installed across the Project area to alert the team of flooding and weather emergencies.
- geotechnical investigations and groundwater monitoring bores.
How will the information from the environmental monitoring be used?
Monitoring allows Queensland Hydro to assess whether the management methods we have in place to reduce environmental impacts are working as intended, and allows us to quickly identify opportunities to further improve our approach.
Continual improvement approach
Queensland Hydro will use feedback from our ongoing stakeholder engagement activities and public comment periods to continually improve the assessment and development of management measures and offset solutions. Once it has been reviewed by Commonwealth and State government agencies, the draft EIS will be open for public comment.
The EIS would be updated with feedback received during the public comment period. There will be various opportunities for public input over the course of the approvals process for both the exploratory works and the main project works. Queensland Hydro will keep stakeholders informed of these opportunities as the processes progress.
What are the next steps?
Queensland Hydro is currently carrying out supporting works for the proposed Project. This work includes upgrades to local roads, site amenities and other early works to allow for safe access to the site for our employees and contractors.
Queensland Hydro is also seeking environmental and planning approvals for the exploratory works phase of the Project. Exploratory works will help us understand the potential project impacts, the geology of the area and will improve the project’s engineering design.
Exploratory and supporting works include:
- exploratory tunnel drilling
- geotechnical investigations
- minor road improvements
- constructing access tracks
- constructing supporting infrastructure
- establishing spoil stockpile area/s.
Read more about the supporting works via our fact sheet.
How can I find out more information?
Our Borumba Project Engagement team is on hand to answer your questions about environmental monitoring. You can contact us via 1800 433 939 or email [email protected].
There will also be opportunities through the environmental and planning approvals process for community members and residents to provide feedback. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about them or keep an eye on our Facebook page.
About the Borumba Project
The proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is a 2,000 MW pumped hydro energy storage system at Lake Borumba, located in Imbil, west of the Sunshine Coast.
If approved, the Project will provide critical reliability and stability as Queensland transitions to renewable energy.
Read more about the Project here.
First published 13 May 2024.